TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會), the government body overseeing cross-strait relations, corrected media reports Monday (Dec. 29), stating only 278 Chinese spouses have failed to submit required documentation. The council emphasized authorities will not revoke Taiwanese identity until individuals are located, calling identity revocation a serious matter. MAC disputed China Times (中國時報) reports claiming nearly 1,000 spouses had not complied with the documentation deadline.
MAC notified 12,146 individuals to submit documentation proving cancellation of their mainland China household registration by the Friday (Dec. 26) deadline. The council corrected the China Times figure, stating only 278 cases remain outstanding rather than the nearly 1,000 spouses claimed in media reports. MAC expressed regret over the reporting inaccuracies and urged affected individuals to contact the National Immigration Agency immediately for documentation assistance.
China Times reported MAC extended the submission deadline to end of December due to challenges Chinese spouses face obtaining documents from mainland China authorities. MAC disputed these deadline extension claims and reiterated its commitment to provide necessary support for spouses facing difficulties with the complex documentation process. The council emphasized government assistance remains available for those struggling to obtain required proof of household registration cancellation from Chinese authorities.
MAC called on the remaining 278 individuals who have not yet complied to reach out promptly to government agencies for documentation assistance. The council reassured Chinese spouses of continued government support in resolving documentation issues with mainland China authorities throughout the submission process. MAC stressed its focus remains on ensuring accurate public information and providing comprehensive support as the documentation submission deadline approaches. ◼
