(Bloomberg) -- China’s efforts to entice more Taiwanese people to get permits to live and work on the mainland is prompting concern in Taipei that Beijing could be laying the groundwork to justify intervention in the self-governing island’s affairs, according to a senior Taiwanese official.
China’s efforts to promote the residence permit have recently intensified, especially when it comes to targeting Taiwanese people who’ve never traveled to the mainland, said the official, who asked not to be identified discussing a sensitive matter.
Taiwanese officials are concerned holders of this permit will be easier to convince to apply for China’s national citizen identification card and to swap their passports for those issued by Beijing, the official said. They worry that could in turn be used by the Chinese government to justify the need to “protect Chinese citizens” in Taiwan, said the official.
In 2018, China introduced this type of residence permit specifically for those from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau to make it easier for holders to live and work on the mainland. The permit also grants access to financial services and social benefits, and can be obtained without those from Taiwan having to renounce their Taiwanese citizenship.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to eventually bring the island under its control, even if by force. Ties between the two sides have become increasingly strained as of late after Lai Ching-te was elected Taiwan’s president in 2024. Beijing views Lai with great suspicion and has accused him of pursuing outright independence for Taiwan.
Asked about the Chinese residence permits after he delivered his New Year’s address last Wednesday, Lai responded by saying, “do not be tempted by short-term benefits and stray onto the wrong path, because democracy is priceless and freedom cannot be cashed in.”
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