In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses face questions of loyalty
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The day after Li Chen-hsiu was sworn in as a member of Taiwan’s Legislature, she was questioned about whether she belonged — about her nationality, about her identity and ultimately about her loyalty to Taiwan. That's because Li is a “mainland spouse” — born in China and a citizen of Taiwan through marriage. She's part of a community of some 369,000 people in the island nation…
In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses who are citizens through marriage are facing scrutiny over their loyalty. Li Chen-hsiu, who became the only China-born lawmaker in Taiwan's Legislature, was questioned about her nationality and allegiance shortly after taking her seat. This is due to her status as a "mainland spouse," a group of approximately 369,000 individuals in Taiwan who are under policies that are evolving and, some argue, discriminating against them as tensions with China grow.
Li served for two months in the legislature before being removed. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, attributing it to Taiwan's democratic system and the Taiwan People's Party, which welcomed her as a political newcomer. However, recent events, including fears of a potential Chinese military invasion, have complicated Taiwan's approach to spouses like Li, who are considered part of a diverse community within the island nation.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses face questions of loyalty and, some say, discrimination winnipegfreepress.com
- In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses face questions of loyalty koreatimes.co.kr
