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Taiwan has decided to rebrand its passports. The original design for the island’s passport features the words, The Republic of China, in large print. Underneath these words is the word, Taiwan, in smaller print.
When citizens travel outside of the Chinese territory, they are often confused for Chinese citizens. Thus, the new passport design will only feature the word, Taiwan, in a large font with the national emblem surrounding it.
Additionally, the island’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, says since the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan. The Island has been searching for ways to separate themselves from China.
Despite Taiwan’s seemingly innocent actions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, believes the island’s actions are petty. The Chinese sovereign territory can only claim its stance as independent from China only has international implications.
Confusion Surrounding Taiwan’s Identity
Taiwan and Chinese officials are not the only ones confused about the island. For instance, in Taipei, many Taiwanese travelers have had the same travel restrictions imposed on them as China does. Taipei imposed travel restrictions on the island’s citizens due to the confusion it caused other countries. The island has long debated its identity, but the island has been rebranding since the pandemic.
Moreover, the Chinese territory is looking into redesigning Taiwan’s largest carrier, China Airlines, to avoid further confusion. Overall, it seems the island wants to separate itself from China while remaining a sovereign territory. However, China sees these actions as a subtle insult to the country.
The Island is not the first to try to separate itself from China. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many countries have begun cutting ties with China.
Written by Reginae Echols
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Reuters.com: Taiwan to change passport, fed up with confusion with China
Featured Image Courtesy of Othree’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Steffon Flor’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
