Prominent dissident Xu Wenli, known overseas, publicly called on the Taiwan government to provide “Republic of China Specific Citizen Passport” for Chinese mainland citizens aged 75 and above, following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Y’s statement on the “homeland theory”.
Xu Wenli, one of the initiators of the Chinese Democracy Wall Movement, former chief editor of “45 Forum,” and a leader of the Chinese Democratic Party, was sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison for openly criticizing and resisting the Communist Party’s one-party dictatorship, serving 16 years. On January 30, 2024, the Hoover Institution Library and Archives announced the collection of his documents and archives from his time in prison and his life.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Y made a speech on October 5, stating at the “113th National Day Celebration in Taipei” event, “The People’s Republic of China celebrated its 75th birthday on October 1, and in a few days, the Republic of China will celebrate its 113th birthday. Therefore, in terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People’s Republic of China to be the homeland of the people of the Republic of China. On the contrary, the Republic of China could be the homeland of mainland Chinese aged 75 and above.”
Following President Lai’s statement on the “homeland theory,” Xu Wenli sent an open letter to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Y and the President of the Legislative Yuan, Han Kuo-yu, suggesting the opening of applications for the “Republic of China Specific Citizen Passport” to mainland residents born before October 1, 1949, who identify with the Republic of China.
In the open letter, Xu Wenli also expressed his willingness, as a U.S. citizen, to serve as the Chairman of the preparatory “Republic of China Specific Citizen Passport Application Agency” and outlined the passport application process and recommendations.
The suggestions include granting holders of the “Republic of China Specific Citizen Passport” visa-free treatment equivalent to the existing “Republic of China Passport” in various countries, allowing them to participate in “Republic of China elections and various civic elections” via electronic voting. Additionally, holders could apply to enter Taiwan and even obtain residency permits, but may not necessarily enjoy benefits such as health insurance and social security.
In an interview with “Epoch Times,” Xu Wenli stated that based on the census data he obtained, there are approximately 50 million people in mainland China born before July 1, 1949, and about 250,000 in the United States. Many of them strongly identify with the Republic of China and aspire to become its citizens. He believes that his proposal can bring multiple benefits, contributing to the realization of the common expectations of a “peaceful resolution of cross-strait conflicts” among the United States, China, and Taiwan.
He emphasized that he does not endorse the autocratic system of the Communist Party and hopes for China to return to the ideals and system of the Republic of China. This is his lifelong goal. Even though he is now a U.S. citizen, he still desires to be a part of the Republic of China. Currently, young people on the mainland also yearn for the system of the Republic of China. He called on everyone to work together to promote the return of mainland China to the political system of the Republic of China.
Xu Wenli mentioned that he received a lot of feedback after issuing the open letter. Some described it as a bold and creative proposal, while others referenced the choice given to Hong Kong residents for British nationality when the UK withdrew from Hong Kong. Additionally, some responses stated, “We should not be abandoned by the Republic of China.”