Taipei: Concerns over whether Taiwan People's Party (TPP) lawmaker Li Chen-hsiu has completed the legally required process to renounce her People's Republic of China (PRC) nationality continued Thursday, with multiple officials stressing that the matter must be handled according to Taiwan's Nationality Act.

According to Focus Taiwan, Li is the first China-born naturalized Taiwanese national to become a democratically elected lawmaker in Taiwan, sparking speculation about her loyalty to the PRC, which threatens to annex Taiwan. She has stated her allegiance, affirming she is "loyal only" to the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name. Li took the oath of office on February 3 as a legislator-at-large for the TPP, noting that she applied to renounce her PRC nationality, but the application "was not accepted."

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang remarked that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), responsible for administering the Nationality Act, has not received any official documents that could confirm the submission of a renunciation application. Liu emphasized that the renunciation requirement under Article 20 of the Nationality Act is unequivocal and stated, "If there is no legally effective document, then we will determine that this is a renunciation that does not have legal effect."

Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee expressed the Cabinet's support for the MOI's approach to the case. Premier Cho Jung-tai reiterated on Thursday that all nationals, especially members of the Legislature, must comply with ROC laws, and that legislative qualifications must be assessed based on the Nationality Act.

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh addressed public confusion regarding the applicable law, clarifying that different statutes govern different stages of political participation. He explained that while some believe this issue should fall under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, this is a misunderstanding. Liang noted that cross-strait law pertains to eligibility to run for office, whereas the assumption of public office after election is governed by the Nationality Act.

In an interview with Taiwanese media outlet Storm, Liu stated her intent to ensure the MOI does not provide Li with classified materials above the level of confidential, countering claims of discrimination. Liu also noted that failing to renounce foreign nationality could raise "a loyalty issue."

Li, through media statements, asserted that she completed her oath of office through lawful procedures, including qualification review by the Central Election Commission (CEC) and confirmation by the Legislative Yuan. She affirmed that she has begun her legislative duties and remains committed to serving the people of Taiwan, pledging loyalty only to the ROC.