Taiwan Steps Up Protest Over Denmark's 'China' Label on Residence Permits

A dispute between Taiwan and Denmark over the labeling of Taiwanese nationals on residence permits has intensified, with Taipei issuing a formal protest and warning of further countermeasures if the issue is not resolved.

The controversy stems from a policy change in 2024, when Denmark began listing the nationality of Taiwanese residents as "China" on residence permits. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, the issue remains unresolved.

Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said the government has continued negotiations with Copenhagen while also adopting reciprocal measures, including revising the courtesies extended to Denmark's representative office in Taiwan.

The dispute drew renewed attention after Danish newspaper Berlingske reported on March 20 that a Taiwanese resident who had complained about their child's permit being labeled "China" was told the designation was not an error.

In its response, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) said Denmark does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state and that Taiwan is "under China." The agency added that it was not responsible for setting the policy, attributing the decision to Denmark's Ministry of Immigration and Integration.

Taiwan Condemns Policy, Warns of Further Action

Speaking at a regular press briefing on March 24, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said the practice contradicts long-standing European Union diplomatic norms and undermines democratic and human rights principles.

The ministry issued a strong condemnation and urged Denmark to correct the nationality designation on residence permits for Taiwanese nationals without delay.

Hsiao called on Copenhagen to adopt a solution consistent with EU practice in order to safeguard bilateral ties, warning that continued inaction or concessions to pressure from Beijing would prompt Taiwan to take additional countermeasures.

He also cautioned that the dispute could damage Denmark's image in Taiwan and negatively affect broader cooperation between the two sides.

Lin Questions Policy, Cites Internal Disagreement

During a legislative session on March 17, Lin said Taiwan had pursued multiple channels to address the issue, including diplomatic negotiations, reciprocal measures, and coordination with G7 and European partners to encourage Denmark to align with EU norms.

He suggested the stalemate may be driven by a single Danish official maintaining a firm position, noting that some Danish government figures and lawmakers have also questioned the policy.

Speaking the following day at a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, Lin drew a comparison to Greenland: "I don't think the Danish government would accept Greenland being labeled as 'United States' in brackets — so why should Taiwan be listed under China?"

Lin added that Denmark appeared to be avoiding a resolution, while most European countries handle similar nationality designations without controversy.

Original Article in Chinese

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