China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday condemned what it calls new political persecution of mainland spouses living in Taiwan by Taipei's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The DPP authorities recently announced draft rules that would require mainland applicants for permanent residency to present notarized proof that they have renounced their People's Republic of China (PRC) passport, in addition to renouncing their mainland household registration.
Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference in Beijing that the proposed amendment is the DPP's latest move in a broader campaign to restrict cross-Strait exchanges.
"In pursuit of their separatist political agenda, the DPP authorities have concocted so-called '17 responding strategies' that escalate the confrontation across the Taiwan Strait and obstruct people-to-people ties. The DPP is revising multiple laws through relevant departments to hinder Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland and to impose ever-tighter limits on mainland residents going to Taiwan, gravely harming the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides. The relevant restrictive measure against mainland residents moving to Taiwan constitutes yet another act of oppression against cross-Strait married couples. We strongly condemn and firmly oppose this," Zhu said.
"The PRC passport is strictly protected by law. No organization or individual may forge, alter, transfer, intentionally damage or illegally seize a passport. We will investigate and hold accountable any organization or individual that intentionally damages a PRC passport," She said.
Spokesperson condemns political persecution of mainland spouses in Taiwan
Spokesperson condemns political persecution on mainland spouses in Taiwan
