TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited a noodle shop in Taipei's Zhongshan (中山) District on Sunday (Dec. 14) to show support for Chinese spouses living in Taiwan. The visit comes amid controversy over new government measures limiting their political participation, sparking criticism from opposition legislators. Opposition parties accuse the government of maintaining a double standard by allowing Chinese spouses to operate businesses while restricting their political rights.
President Lai sampled the "Presidential Set Meal" at the shop owned by Kuo Ming-hua (郭明華), a native of Henan Province, China. Lai stated that those who embrace Taiwan and strive here are the true masters of the country. Kuo expressed encouragement from the president's visit, emphasizing that Taiwan is her home and that her descendants will remain here for generations.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, Chairperson Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) condemned Lai's visit as "cheap, frivolous, and pretentious," accusing him of masking oppression against specific groups. Cheng referenced recent controversies in which Chinese spouses lost positions, ranging from village chief to councilor, due to nationality laws. KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) questioned the president's motives, suggesting the visit aimed to garner votes from Chinese spouses as elections approach.
Opposition lawmakers argue that the visit attempted to soften perceptions of hostility toward Chinese spouses while underscoring the government's double standard. The dining event highlighted complex attitudes and political considerations surrounding the rights of Chinese spouses in Taiwan. Chinese spouses, who immigrate to Taiwan through marriage, face restrictions on political participation under current nationality laws. ◼
