One of the influencers behind the YouTube video, Pa Chiung, has alleged that three to five travel and public relations companies in Taiwan and two firms in China are assisting Taiwanese residents in securing People’s Republic of China identity cards during trips to the mainland.
This comes shortly after two Taiwanese influencers shared a video showing how Beijing is luring the island’s residents to apply for Chinese identity cards in a tactic move to swing public opinion in its favour.
“Three to five public relations firms in southern and northern Taiwan have allegedly helped Taiwanese apply for Chinese ID cards and are under investigation for potential legal violations,” the minister said earlier this month.
At least 4,000 Taiwanese residents are reported to have applied for Chinese identity cards in the coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian province.
Taipei is cracking down on Taiwanese people illegally procuring Chinese identity cards, apparently in a bid to contain Beijing’s expanding influence.
