TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is pressing Denmark to correct residence permits that list Taiwanese as “China,” saying the designation contradicts EU policy and could affect bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on March 17 told the Legislative Yuan that Taiwan is continuing negotiations on the issue and has taken reciprocal measures, including adjusting the treatment of Danish offices in Taiwan and coordinating with international partners, per Rti. He said Taipei will continue to push for changes based on the principles of reciprocity and dignity.

Danish newspaper Berlingske reported on Friday that a Taiwanese resident protested after their child’s residence permit listed nationality as China last June. The issuing authority, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), said the designation was not an error but reflected Denmark’s policy of not recognizing Taiwan as an independent country and viewing it as “under China."

The report noted that Denmark is the only EU country to list Taiwanese nationality as China on residence permits. Since the policy change in 2024, Taiwanese residents have repeatedly filed complaints with SIRI without any results.

SIRI told Berlingske the issue stemmed from previously inconsistent entries and that it follows policy set by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. The ministry said on May 6, 2025, that it had “standardized” how Taiwanese are recorded, as agencies had used different designations for nationality and place of birth.

Under the new standard, the official names “Taiwan” or “Republic of China” will not appear in nationality or citizenship fields, though Taiwan may still be used in non-state contexts such as place of birth. This means Taiwanese individuals may have Taiwan listed as their place of birth, but China must be marked as their nationality.

Berlingske cited Andreas B. Forsby of the Danish Institute for International Studies, who said Denmark has never officially stated that Taiwan is part of China. He said Denmark’s one-China policy recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China internationally, but does not endorse Beijing’s claim over Taiwan.

Taiwan Corner Chair Michael Danielsen said listing China on Taiwanese documents shows Denmark’s one-China policy is tilting toward Beijing’s position.

Robin Cheng (鄭榮俊), Taiwan’s representative to Denmark, told CNA that Copenhagen’s foreign ministry has not changed its stance on Taiwan, but the current practice reflects inconsistent positions across agencies and contradicts EU policy. He said that while the EU also follows a one-China policy, it does not preclude engagement and cooperation with Taiwan.

Cheng said Taiwan has sought corrections since 2024 and warned the issue could affect bilateral ties if left unresolved. He added that the case has been reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will decide further actions.

Huang Yi-min (黃伊敏), president of the Taiwanese Association Denmark, told CNA it is difficult to accept that Denmark, a partner aligned with Taiwan on democracy, human rights, and progressive values, would treat Taiwanese people this way. She supported reciprocal measures, including withdrawing privileges for Denmark’s representative in Taiwan, saying nationality designation is a matter of sovereignty and dignity, not just administration.