Passports should be tweaked
Much has been said in the last few days about the pros and cons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' plan to change the front cover of the ROC Passport.
If only the word "Taiwan" is added, it will not be very clear what is meant, and some critics say that it could be interpreted as trying to change the country's name.
"Issued in Taiwan" on the other hand, would carry a very weak meaning, just stating the place where the passport was issued -- not the name of the authority who issued it.
I would suggest adding a few more words, which would not take up much space but express a more complete meaning.
Three lines should be printed on the lower half of the passport as follows:
1st line (small font): Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2nd line (small font): of the Republic of China
3rd line (large font, centered): Taiwan
If that's too long, it could be shortened as "Issued by the Government of the Republic of China in Taiwan."
There may be ROC citizens who do not like -- and wish to change -- the country's name, "Republic of China," but at present this is still the official name. "Taiwan," in large characters, would be sufficient to show to everyone overseas which country -- that is the country commonly referred to as "Taiwan" -- the passport bearer comes from.
Colman Bernath
Taipei
There's been much debate lately over a proposal to add "Issued in Taiwan" to the nation's passports.
DPP lawmakers say the change creates further confusion. Pro-China lawmakers say it's a step toward independence. The government, for its part, says the change is necessary so that the immigration officials of the world don't confuse citizens of the Republic of China with those from the People's Republic of China.
I have a proposal that should eliminate any confusion. On passport covers, below the phrase "Republic of China," should appear the following words in parentheses: That means Taiwan, ie not communist China.
Ineloquent but effective, and I have no doubt that, should Taiwanese citizens carry such a passport, they will no longer face hassle when dealing with geographically and historically challenged immigration officials.
Michael Logan
Taipei
For many years, the Taiwan passport has been issued in the name of the Republic of China. This lends itself to confusion with the People's Republic of China. This confusion has gone on for years and the current action by the Taiwan government to add "Taiwan" to distinguish the passport from that of China should be a good, sensible move. I wonder why so many people are making such a big deal out of this? It is a natural step.
Yoshiko Tio
taipei
I am so happy that our government has taken action to end the problem with Taiwan passports. I still remember when my wife and I went to Germany in 1990. We found ourselves in a highly embarrassing situation at customs. They asked my wife her nationality. She replied: "Republic of China." As the customs officer flipped the pages of her passport, he asked again, "Are you from China or Taiwan ?" She said: "From Taiwan." He asked, "You are from Taiwan, so why did you tell me your nationality was Chinese?"
My wife and I tried very hard to tell him that Taiwan is the Republic of China, China is the People's Republic of China, our nationality is Republic of China and we are from Taiwan. But he did not understand that simple fact. He simply bent double with laughter, before refusing us entry to Germany and escorting us out.
I knew that we were right, and he was ignorant. But what can you say? They just think "China is China, and Taiwan is Taiwan" and "Republic of China is China; People's Republic of China is China; Taiwan is not China." We are so surprised that they lack basic knowledge and common sense. But, when we try our utmost to correct them, we mostly end up being refused entry to their country, as in our case, or are ultimately allowed in only after endless questioning and even embarrassment.
I know that most Taiwanese do not encounter this kind of difficulty. But a lot do. It is a very unpleasant feeling. I am so glad that our government has finally made a responsible decision and that from now on we can simply state that we come from Taiwan without having to worry about carrying a "Chinese" passport.
Wang Hor-ching
taipei
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