committee

A KMT-proposed amendment that would allow China-born spouses of Taiwanese
citizens to run for and hold public office without first renouncing their
Chinese citizenship has been referred to a legislative committee for review.

The proposed amendment follows several recent cases in which local officials
born in China and married to Taiwanese nationals were removed from office
after failing to provide proof that they had relinquished their Chinese
nationality.

President Lai Ching-te urged lawmakers not to advance the proposal, saying
there is no need to amend the Nationality Act "in a way that removes the
expectation of single allegiance for immigrants from China."

He called on proponents of the amendment to "think carefully" and prioritize
safeguarding national security and unity.

Lai stressed the many contributions that immigrants from a variety of places,
including China, have made to Taiwan. According to the Taipei Times, he said
amending the act could increase social concerns and undermine social harmony.