Taiwan's Diplomatic Retaliation Over Naming Disputes with South Korea and Denmark

Taiwan has escalated its diplomatic response against South Korea and Denmark over the labeling of Taiwan in official documents, which it perceives as undermining its sovereignty. The disputes center around South Korea's electronic arrival card designating Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” and Denmark's classification of Taiwanese residents as “China” on residence permits. Taipei has threatened retaliatory measures, signaling a shift from its traditional reliance on verbal protests to more assertive actions.

The Straits TimesTaiwan Escalates Pressure on Korea Over 'China(Taiwan)' Label, Sets March 31 DeadlineGlobal Times

The naming disputes are critical for Taiwan, as they relate to its visibility and de facto independence in the international arena. Beijing's claim over Taiwan complicates these issues, as the Chinese government views the island as part of its territory. Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed serious concerns over the implications of these designations, fearing they could set a precedent for other nations to adopt similar stances.

The Straits Times

In response to South Korea's labeling, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung set a deadline of March 31 for Seoul to amend its e-arrival card. If unaddressed, Taiwan plans to change the designation of South Korea on its own immigration forms from “Republic of Korea” to “Korea (South).” This follows a recent adjustment where Taiwan altered the designation of South Korean nationals on its Alien Resident Certificate. Similarly, Taiwan has warned Denmark of potential adjustments to privileges granted to Danish officials in Taipei if the labeling issue is not resolved.

Taiwan Escalates Pressure on Korea Over 'China(Taiwan)' Label, Sets March 31 DeadlineThe Straits TimesGlobal Times

South Korea has defended its labeling practices, stating that the current designations have been in place since 2004 and that Taiwan is aware of this. Korean social media users have expressed indifference to the designation, noting that “South Korea” is commonly used in English. Denmark, on the other hand, has maintained that its classification reflects a standardization initiative and is not an error. Taiwanese officials, however, argue that these actions threaten Taiwan's international standing and assert that they will not tolerate such misrepresentations.

The Straits Times

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei warned that the ongoing disputes could damage Denmark's image and business reputation in Taiwan. He emphasized that the issue is not merely administrative but crucial for Taiwan's identity. In contrast, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated China's one-China principle, asserting that Taiwan is part of China and dismissing Taiwan's actions as ineffective.

Global TimesTaiwan Escalates Pressure on Korea Over 'China(Taiwan)' Label, Sets March 31 DeadlineThe Straits Times

Taiwan's assertive stance comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. As Taiwan approaches local elections in November, the government faces pressure to demonstrate a strong defense of its sovereignty. The outcome of these naming disputes may influence Taiwan's diplomatic relations with South Korea and Denmark, as well as its broader international standing amidst ongoing challenges from Beijing.

The Straits Times

• “If no clear response is received by the deadline, Taiwan will change the English designation of South Korea from 'Korea, Republic of' to 'KOREA(SOUTH)' in the birthplace and residence fields of Taiwan's electronic arrival registration form starting April 1.” — Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan's Foreign Minister

Taiwan Escalates Pressure on Korea Over 'China(Taiwan)' Label, Sets March 31 Deadline

• “The issue could damage Denmark’s image and business reputation in Taiwan, harming the relationship between the two countries, as well as prospects for cooperation,” — Hsiao Kuang-wei, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesman

The Straits Times

• “No matter what petty tricks the DPP authorities play, they cannot change the objective fact that Taiwan region is a part of China, nor can they shake the basic framework of the international community's adherence to the one-China principle, the spokesperson said.” — Zhu Fenglian, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson

Global Times