Key facts
- Taiwan is facing increased scrutiny of Chinese-born spouses due to rising tensions with mainland China.
- Li Chen-hsiu, a China-born lawmaker, was removed from her legislative position over citizenship documentation issues.
- Taiwanese authorities are reviewing citizenship for some Chinese-born individuals, demanding proof of renounced Chinese registration.
- A court convicted an individual for spying on Taiwan and interfering in its politics on behalf of Beijing.
- Legal experts suggest that Taiwan's government may be selectively enforcing laws related to these spouses.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — As cross-strait tensions escalate, Taiwan is facing complex questions regarding the loyalty and citizenship of its Chinese-born spouses. Li Chen-hsiu, who was sworn in as a member of Taiwan’s Legislature, found herself questioned about her nationality and allegiance due to her origins in mainland China. She is part of a community of approximately 369,000 individuals in Taiwan whose status is increasingly under scrutiny.
Historically, many of these individuals, referred to as 'mainland spouses,' came to Taiwan through marriage, often to retired soldiers or for economic opportunities. However, with China's increasing military posturing and diplomatic isolation efforts against Taiwan, the island's government is tightening policies. This has led to fears of discrimination among the affected community.
Recent events have highlighted these concerns. A New Taipei court sentenced Hsu Chun-ying, head of an organization assisting mainland spouses, to seven years in prison for acting as a spy for Beijing and interfering in Taiwan's politics. Furthermore, Taiwanese immigration authorities have issued notices to about 12,000 spouses who already hold Taiwanese citizenship, requiring proof that they have canceled their household registrations in China or risk having their citizenship revoked.
Li Chen-hsiu's own experience underscores the challenges. She was expelled from the legislature after failing to submit timely documentation proving she had renounced her Chinese citizenship and had maintained a single nationality for the preceding decade. While Li argues she met the requirements by canceling her Chinese household registration in 1999, the Mainland Affairs Council maintained there were no political considerations in their decision. Some legal scholars, like Bruce Liao, a professor at National Chengchi University, contend that the government is selectively and distortingly interpreting laws.
The situation is further complicated by individual circumstances, such as that of Mi Zhengrong, a 72-year-old mainland spouse who is fighting for her late second husband's pension, falling just short of the 10-year marriage requirement. Despite financial struggles, she expressed a preference for living in Taiwan, stating, "No one wants to go back."