Focus Taiwan
Date: 2018/09/01
By: Chai Sze-chia, Ko Lin and Lee Hsin-Yin 

Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) China’s issuing of residence permits for residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan with effect from Saturday is part of a ploy by China to bring Taiwan into its political fold, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said.

The appearance of the permit, which carries an 18-digit code, is almost identical to a Chinese identification card and is aimed at belittling Taiwan’s sovereignty, the MAC said.

While Beijing claimed that the new policy will allow Taiwanese residents better access to public services, the MAC said it is part of China’s united front strategy that will benefit itself instead of Taiwan.

China is also being irresponsible because it has never addressed public concerns about what risks applicants might be exposed to once they become permit holders, the MAC said.
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