TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – In a significant disclosure regarding Chinese influence infiltrating the Taiwanese armed forces, the island's Defense Ministry revealed that at least 62 active-duty service members possess Chinese residency permits. This revelation comes amidst rising concerns over Beijing's ongoing efforts to undermine Taiwan's military resolve, especially considering the historical context that traces back to the Chinese Civil War of 1949, which led to China's view of Taiwan as a renegade province.
These Chinese residency permits grant holders the legal right to reside in China, presenting a potential option for these Taiwanese servicemen in the event of an escalation in hostilities. It is notable that China does not recognize Taiwanese passports; however, it provides a special document that allows Taiwanese citizens to visit the mainland. While it is legal for individuals in Taiwan to hold such documents, possessing them can limit access to sensitive military information. In a legislative hearing on Wednesday, Defense Minister Wellington Koo indicated that the 62 servicemen will be barred from managing intelligence and confidential data due to their permit status.
Koo further clarified that no service members were found to hold Chinese passports or a resident identity card, which would suggest they obtained Chinese citizenship and would consequently need to renounce their Taiwanese citizenship. This renunciation would imply the loss of Taiwan’s visa-free travel status to various countries, along with the forfeiture of access to the island's generous welfare benefits. Currently, Taiwan operates with a military personnel count of 150,000 active service members, in addition to 1.6 million reservists.
The population of Taiwan stands at approximately 23 million, among whom around 2 million are descendants of individuals who fled to Taiwan with Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists during the rise of Mao Zedong’s Communist regime on the mainland. This historical migration has fostered a complex dynamic as many individuals maintain emotional or financial ties to the mainland. Consequently, cultivating a solid Taiwanese national identity is an enduring challenge. Nonetheless, a substantial majority of the population supports the current status of de facto independence, along with bolstered defense initiatives aided by strong partnerships with the United States.
In response to these unfolding circumstances, Taiwan is actively seeking to tighten security measures and eliminate potential vulnerabilities within its military framework. Measures include extending mandatory military training for all males of service age and acquiring advanced military equipment, such as sophisticated jet fighters and ground weapons. These strategic steps reflect Taiwan's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amid increasing tensions with China.
