Taipei: A China-born spouse has been stripped of her Taiwanese citizenship over remarks that threaten national security and social stability, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday. Speaking at a routine press briefing, MAC deputy chief and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh announced the decision involving Qian Li, which followed a thorough review by the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant agencies.
According to Focus Taiwan, complaints have been filed against Qian for allegedly posting threatening remarks as an administrator of a Facebook group called the “People’s Liberation Army.” The content allegedly called for ending the Republic of China’s sovereignty through military force or supporting Taiwan’s unification with China under the Communist regime. Under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, settlement status for mainland Chinese nationals in Taiwan can be granted but also revoked under certain conditions, Liang explained.
Liang said that despite the revocation of her citizenship, Qian is allowed to remain in Taiwan under long-term residency, with her work and national health insurance coverage unaffected. Qian is currently pursuing an administrative appeal and can use the proper procedures to assert her rights, Liang added.
During a committee hearing at the Legislative Yuan on Thursday morning, MAC Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung confirmed that Qian’s ROC citizenship and household registration were revoked on Aug. 25. However, it was not clarified how revoking Qian’s citizenship but allowing her to remain in Taiwan reduces the threat she allegedly poses to national security.
Shen was responding to a question from Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Wang Ting-yu, who inquired whether the MAC planned to take action following numerous public complaints about her in April and May. Separately on Thursday, Qian, who goes by the name “Athena Qian” on her Facebook group, posted that “opposing Taiwan independence does not mean supporting the use of force to unify Taiwan.”