TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expressed concern Friday (Nov. 28) over a proposed Nationality Act (國籍法) amendment during a Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, session that would allow Chinese nationals to hold public office. Kuomintang (國民黨) caucus leader Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) introduced the controversial amendment, which aims to allow individuals who have not renounced their Chinese nationality to hold public office in Taiwan.
Premier Cho responded affirmatively when asked if the proposal might lead to "dual loyalty" issues, warning of potential conflicts of allegiance. He emphasized the current Nationality Act prohibits dual nationality for public office holders to prevent such situations. Cho reiterated this point during an interview with Taiwanese TV channel Era News (年代新聞台) Thursday (Nov. 27) night, stating the law applies equally to all countries without exception.
Fu's proposal has sparked debate, suggesting individuals from mainland China, the People's Republic of China, who legally obtain household registration in Taiwan could run for public office without relinquishing their original nationality. The proposal seeks to exempt them from renouncing their nationality under Article 20 of the Nationality Act, according to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (兩岸人民關係條例規定).
The proposal follows the recent dismissal of several Chinese spouses living in Taiwan from public office due to retaining their Chinese citizenship, sparking the legislative debate. Cho highlighted some Kuomintang members argue the People's Republic of China is not a foreign country, creating a constitutional ambiguity. However, he firmly stated he cannot regard China as his own country, and this remains a dual loyalty issue that must be addressed. ◼