TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) defended the ongoing checks of civil servants’ Chinese ID status on Wednesday, responding to a backlash by emphasizing the importance of patriotism.
At the request of the Mainland Affairs Ministry, the Civil Service Ministry and the Education Ministry began checking civil servants’' and teachers’ Chinese ID status on Feb. 28, asking them to sign affidavits confirming their status, per Rti. Mainland Affairs Council Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) confirmed on Thursday that this check will become routine, framing it as a matter of loyalty, per Economic Daily News.
Critics, including teachers and civil servants, argue the checks are disrespectful, while a KMT legislator contends the Mainland Affairs Council has overstepped its authority. In a response video, Chiu explained the government initiated the ID check process to prevent Chinese infiltration, noting that requiring affidavits is the least invasive method, per CNA.
Chiu further explained that China has been implementing policies aimed at blurring the line between Taiwan and China, creating the illusion of governance over Taiwan. He said civil servants holding Chinese IDs undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty, emphasizing that dual citizenship is already illegal for public servants in Taiwan.
The minister argued that signing the affidavit is a low-cost, low-impact solution, giving civil servants the opportunity to confirm their loyalty without undue burden. However, some civil servants have voiced concerns.
One civil servant working in a local court, speaking anonymously, described the document as subtly implying that refusal to sign could harm one’s chances for promotion. The source suggested that many employees may sign the affidavit simply to avoid trouble, rather than as a genuine expression of loyalty.
A Taipei City teacher, also speaking on condition of anonymity, described the process as disrespectful, with many teachers feeling compelled to sign, per CNA. Another teacher in New Taipei City said the checks felt appropriate in defense-related sectors but out of place in schools, expressing reluctance but ultimately feeling forced to cooperate.
KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) questioned the need for such extensive checks, on Feb. 28, suggesting that resources might be better allocated elsewhere. In response to Weng and other critics, the Mainland Affairs Council reiterated that individuals who hold Chinese household registration or a passport forfeit their Taiwanese nationality, disqualifying them from holding public office as civil servants or teachers.
