TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A political firestorm over national identity erupted in Taiwan on Wednesday (Feb. 4) after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) publicly distanced himself from Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, Chairperson Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文). Chiang declared his identity as Taiwanese and a Republic of China citizen, rejecting Cheng's statement to The Economist that "we are also Chinese." The controversy intensified as Li Chen-hsiu (李貞秀), a Chinese spouse, took office as a Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民衆黨) legislator-at-large a day earlier.
Li faces challenges due to her status as the spouse of a citizen of the Republic of China, or Taiwan. Following her swearing-in on Tuesday, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, critics called for her to renounce her Chinese citizenship, citing potential national security threats. The calls reflect ongoing tensions over cross-strait relations and the status of Chinese nationals in Taiwan's government. The debate has drawn significant attention to Taiwan's policies on Chinese nationals in political positions.
In a BBC interview, Li revealed she divorced her husband the day after submitting her nomination in 2023. She argued this confirms she is not a "Chinese spouse" anymore, countering DPP Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei's (簡舒培) skepticism about her status. Critics continued to press her, claiming potential threats to national security and demanding she relinquish her People's Republic of China citizenship. The controversy highlights Taiwan's complex relationship with Chinese nationals seeking political roles.
Li responded on Wednesday by emphasizing her deep ties to Taiwan, having lived here for 30 years and raising her children as Taiwanese. She stated, "Women are not appendages to men," underscoring her independence and connection to Taiwan. Li noted she and her ex-husband, with whom she shares children, remain a family and wished to keep personal matters private. Her statement aimed to counter criticism about her loyalty to Taiwan.
Li's citizenship status and its national security implications continue to draw attention across Taiwan's political spectrum. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun's recent remarks also add complexity to the ongoing discussion of identity and loyalty among Taiwanese political figures. The debate highlights broader questions about cross-strait relations and the integration of Chinese nationals into Taiwan's political system. The controversy underscores Taiwan's sensitive relationship with China and questions of national identity. ◼