CONFUSION: Beijing might force foreign governments to require Taiwanese to present the cards and then claim jurisdiction over Republic of China citizens, a group said
Taipei Times
Date: Sep 02, 2018
By: Chung Li-hua and Sherry Hsiao / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA
Beijing’s issuing of residency permit cards for people from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau,
China-based Taiwanese businessman Cheng Po-yu, right, has his fingerprints taken while applying for a Chinese residence permit at a police station in Beijing’s Shijingshan District yesterday morning. Photo: CNA
which came into effect yesterday, is part of a ploy to bring Taiwan into China’s political fold, the Mainland Affairs Council said.
The cards, which carry an 18-digit code, look almost identical to Chinese identification cards and are aimed at belittling Taiwan’s sovereignty, the council said.
While Beijing has claimed that the new cards will provide Taiwanese residents in China with better access to public services, the council said that it is part of Beijing’s “united front” strategy, and would only benefit China’s agenda.
China is being irresponsible, because it has ignored public concerns over the risks card applicants might face, the council said, calling on Beijing to withdraw its “political ploy” and instead contribute to peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. [FULL STORY]
