On July 16, 2025, Taiwan’s public policy advocacy and think tanks jointly held a seminar on the topic of “National Security and Human Rights Implications of Removal of Chinese Spouses’ Household Registration,” inviting scholars and experts to discuss.
The moderator, Assistant Professor Chen Fangyu from the Department of Political Science at Soochow University, mentioned that the issue of removing Chinese spouses’ household registration has drawn widespread attention, even from foreign scholars and journalists who are highly interested. This provides an opportunity for everyone to understand the origins and implications of the policy.
Researcher Chen Xi’an from a Taiwan think tank expressed that democratic principles and democratic values should not be in conflict. However, Taiwan faces threats from the authoritarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party externally and internal collaborators creating chaos, which necessitates careful consideration.
Chen Xi’an emphasized the value of Taiwan’s freedom and democracy, calling for discussions from diverse perspectives. It is essential to moderate government power and refrain from hastily accusing anyone of engaging in activities harmful to national security without evidence. Rational debate, seeking consensus and solutions through dialogue rather than attacking each other, is crucial.
Deputy Minister Shen Youzhong of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council clarified that the policy of removing Chinese spouses’ household registration is not intended to “label any ethnic group.” The government had established related policies as early as 2004, and the processing has continued. Over 12,000 Chinese spouses were found to have incomplete procedures during inspections, prompting the requirement for additional documentation to ensure comprehensive processing in a lawful and reasonable manner.
Shen Youzhong stressed that Taiwan is a rule-of-law country, ensuring that the government does not unilaterally remove the household registration of Chinese spouses with incomplete procedures. Civil servants are making every effort to contact them individually, aiding Chinese spouses in obtaining their full rights. More than half of the 12,000 Chinese spouses have completed the necessary procedures, while those unable to enter China due to specific religious or medical reasons will have relaxed processing after providing documentation. Presently, only over a thousand Chinese spouses are in a state of disconnection or have incomplete procedures.
Regarding the choice of household registration after removal, Shen Youzhong mentioned that “over 99% of Chinese spouses decisively opt for Taiwanese citizenship” after experiencing the lifestyle of freedom and democracy in Taiwan. Following the removal of household registration, Chinese spouses can enjoy full national treatment, which helps prevent unnecessary legal disputes and safeguards the rights of citizens in activities like running a small business or inheriting property.
Researcher Lin Zonghong from the Institute of Sociology at the Academia Sinica analyzed from a political science perspective that national identity reflects sovereignty, demonstrating the relationship and contract between the people and the government. Only citizens under sovereign rule can enjoy constitutional rights regarding public services like healthcare and social welfare. Citizens also have a duty of loyalty to defend the country and the rights of citizens in times of national crisis.
Lin Zonghong pointed out that the Chinese authorities are trying to blur the connection between Taiwan sovereignty and national identity, but Taiwan must clarify boundaries and vigorously defend Taiwanese citizens. The asymmetry between national identity and judicial jurisdiction has led Taiwanese citizens violating Chinese regulations in Taiwan to be prosecuted by Chinese judicial authorities, highlighting a severe and serious problem. It is crucial to build consensus and acknowledge the government’s determination to address the issues.
Executive Director Lee Yijing of the Taiwan Immigrant Youth Advocacy Front stated that the online atmosphere towards Chinese spouses had been unfriendly. Through the “New Generation Voice Recorder” column, they continue to make their voices heard, hoping to raise awareness among the general public about immigrant families and the new generation. After the removal notices for Chinese spouses were issued, they have been assisting hundreds of Chinese spouses and their children in completing the necessary procedures, accompanying them and listening to their journey of emotions.
Lee Yijing discovered that many of the new generation were shocked upon receiving the removal notices, feeling “their identity was denied,” recalling negative experiences from their upbringing being called “not Taiwanese” due to accent or dietary habits, causing psychological trauma. They hope that through this event, the public will pay more attention to this ethnic group in Taiwanese society.