Taipei: Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling announced on Thursday that no personnel within the Taiwanese coast guard are in possession of Chinese passports or “certificates of registered permanent residence” in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

According to Focus Taiwan, Minister Kuan clarified that three Coast Guard Administration (CGA) staff members previously held PRC-issued “residence permits” meant for Taiwan residents. However, these permits have either been canceled or are currently undergoing cancellation in compliance with legal requirements, ensuring that these individuals do not have access to sensitive information.

Minister Kuan’s statements were made in response to media inquiries prior to her presentation to the Legislative Yuan’s Internal Administration Committee. Her comments followed a disclosure by Defense Minister Wellington Koo, who confirmed that 62 Taiwanese military personnel currently possess Chinese residence permits, including two members of Taiwan’s volunteer forces.

While holding a “residence permit” issued by China is not against the law in Taiwan, it is illegal for Taiwanese citizens to possess PRC passports or have household registration in China, as stipulated by Taiwanese legislation.