TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's legal system faces scrutiny after a Chinese lawyer represented a mainland Chinese company in Taichung District Court (台中地方法院), igniting debates over foreign legal practice regulations. The case involving a Taiwanese businessman and a Chinese firm has prompted investigations into whether proper authorization procedures were followed. Legal experts question the implications for Taiwan's judicial framework and cross-strait legal representation standards.
Taiwanese lawyer Tsai (蔡) challenged Liu's courtroom appearance, contending it violated Taiwan's legal regulations governing foreign attorney practice. Liu defended his position by asserting no explicit legal prohibition existed for his representation. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office (台中地檢署) subsequently clarified that foreign lawyers require Ministry of Justice (法務部) approval and must join local bar associations within six months to practice legally in Taiwan's courts.
Legal professionals on Threads social media platform emphasized that Liu lacks proper credentials as either a Taiwanese attorney or legally recognized foreign lawyer, potentially constituting illegal practice. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has initiated a formal investigation to determine whether Liu's courtroom representation violated Taiwan's attorney licensing requirements. This case highlights ongoing challenges regarding cross-strait legal practice regulations and foreign attorney authorization procedures. ◼