TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) clarified on Sunday that its directive requiring five borough chiefs to relinquish their Chinese citizenship is based on Taiwanese law and does not constitute political persecution.
On Thursday, the MOI discovered that the borough chiefs held Chinese citizenship and issued letters to their respective district offices, instructing them to address the matter in accordance with the Nationality Act and the Household Registration Act.
“Public officials in Taiwan are obligated to demonstrate loyalty to the nation,” the MOI stated in a press release. The Nationality Act mandates that elected officials renounce any foreign citizenship before taking office and complete the renunciation process within one year, it said.
The MOI further explained that individuals from China who cancel their Chinese household registration under the Cross-Strait Act and obtain Taiwanese citizenship are recognized as Taiwanese nationals. If they assume public office, they must comply with the Nationality Act by renouncing any foreign citizenship after being elected or taking their position.