The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken action against the continuous mislabeling of Taiwan as “CHINA (TAIWAN)” on South Korea’s E-Arrival Card system, which undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty. The Ministry has demanded a response from the South Korean side by March 31. If a positive response is not received, appropriate measures will be taken in the relevant fields of the “Taiwan Electronic Immigration Registration Form” concerning the labeling of South Korea.
In the South Korean E-Arrival Card system, Taiwan has been incorrectly listed as “CHINA (TAIWAN)” in the “Country of Departure” and “Next Destination” fields. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously stated that South Korea maintains its existing position of “unofficial substantive cooperation” with Taiwan and handles related matters under this stance.
The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release today expressing concern over the inappropriate labeling of the Republic of China as “CHINA (TAIWAN)” in the “Country of Departure” and “Next Destination” fields of the South Korean government’s electronic immigration card system. The Ministry and the Taipei Mission in South Korea have continuously lodged strong protests with the South Korean side, requesting prompt correction to uphold national sovereignty and the dignity of the people.
The government, following inter-agency coordination, has completed deliberations on possible response measures. Starting from March 1, the name “South Korea” has been adjusted in the ROC “Alien Resident Certificate” from the original “Korea” based on the principle of bilateral reciprocity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that interactions between the Taiwanese and South Korean people have been close and friendly in various fields such as economic, cultural, tourism, and personnel exchanges. The ROC highly values the hard-earned friendship between the two sides. However, the failure of the South Korean side to rectify the inappropriate labeling in the electronic immigration card system has raised significant concerns among the domestic society and representatives of public opinion.
Furthermore, the Ministry has received feedback from citizens expressing confusion and disappointment with South Korea’s handling of this matter. The Ministry once again urges South Korea to uphold the principles of mutual respect and reciprocity, address Taiwan’s demands promptly, and complete the correction as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taipei Mission in South Korea have requested a response from the South Korean side by March 31. If a positive response is not received by then, appropriate measures will be taken in the relevant fields of the ROC’s “Taiwan Electronic Immigration Registration Form” concerning the labeling of South Korea to demonstrate a firm stance in upholding national dignity and the principle of reciprocity.