TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of the Interior (內政部長) Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) emphasized on Tuesday (March 11) that the "Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" (兩岸人民關係條例) has remained unchanged from the era of former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to the current administration under President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), and urged citizens to abide by the law and not break it knowingly.
A day earlier, former President Ma Ying-jeou visited the National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署) to address controversies surrounding a Chinese student delegation. He called on the government to avoid using political power and administrative measures to hinder youth exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China.
Last year, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation (馬英九基金會) invited students and faculty from seven Chinese universities to Taiwan. A Fudan University student's congratulatory remarks to "China's Taipei team" sparked controversy for allegedly belittling Taiwan. Ahead of Tuesday's legislative session, Liu reiterated that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部) and the NIA have adhered to regulations without political influence.
In related defense matters, the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to require a declaration of non-dual citizenship for volunteer service candidates. Taiwanese conscripts with Chinese identity cards must still fulfill their military service obligations. Liu stated that approximately 100 individuals with Chinese identity cards are currently required to serve in the military under the act.
As tensions continue, stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining legal integrity while fostering cross-strait understanding.