TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s interior minister has demanded that China-born Li Chen-hsiu (李貞秀) renounce her Chinese citizenship or face dismissal, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday.
Li, a former Chinese citizen from Hunan, became a legislator-at-large for the opposition TPP last month. Her nomination has sparked debate over whether she meets Taiwan’s legal requirements for public office.
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said Li must have held a household registration in Taiwan for at least 10 years and possess only Taiwanese citizenship. “This is to ensure legislators' singular obligation of loyalty to Taiwan and to protect her from providing Taiwan's intelligence to China,” Liu said.
Liu added that, under Article 20 of the Nationality Act, Li must submit proof of renouncing her Chinese citizenship. “Otherwise, our Legislative Yuan shall dismiss her,” she warned.
The opposition-led legislature, led by Kuomintang Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), has so far rejected calls to remove Li. Liu described the dispute as “regrettable,” saying it has become a domestic political and China-related issue.
Li has maintained that Taiwan’s executive branch has no authority over legislators’ status. “If the executive branch overrides the legislative branch, the democratic system will cease to exist,” she said.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council defines renunciation of Chinese household registration as taking effect when proof is submitted to the National Immigration Agency. Li had not submitted such proof before March, making her ineligible to run for office until 2035. Formal renunciation of citizenship in China, meanwhile, requires approval from Beijing, a process that can be difficult.
The TPP has argued that China is “not a foreign region” under local law, meaning Li is not a dual citizen. Beijing has voiced support, pledging to “protect mainland spouses from the wind and rain,” a move Li publicly thanked.
The controversy highlights Taiwan’s deep political divide. Opposition lawmakers have pushed bills allowing Chinese citizens to hold public office without renouncing citizenship and to fast-track naturalization of Chinese spouses.
The row comes as the KMT and TPP continue blocking President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) defense budget in the legislature, a move that could strain relations with the US and embolden China’s military posture.
Security concerns have intensified amid reports of Chinese-linked activity. Xu Chunying (徐春鶯), another Chinese spouse tied to the TPP, was recently indicted for alleged spying and election interference.
Liu noted risks faced by Chinese nationals in Taiwan. She cited the case of Fucha (富察), a Taiwan-based publisher sentenced in China after attempting to renounce citizenship.
Liu said China may be using Li’s presence in the legislature as part of a “united front” strategy to push the narrative that Taiwan belongs to China. With the legislature resisting removal, Liu suggested Li’s future could ultimately be decided in court.
