family law
What change has Japan announced regarding Taiwanese residents in its family registry system?
Japan has announced that Taiwanese residents can now list Taiwan as their place of origin in Japan's family registry system, instead of being recorded as from China. This change, taking effect in May, follows requests from Taiwanese spouses who want to express their regional identity. While Japan continues to regard Taiwan as a region rather than a country under its policy established in 1972, this administrative change acknowledges Taiwanese identity within Japan's official documentation system. The decision has been welcomed by Taiwan's government but criticized by China, which has urged Japan to adhere to the One China principle.
Watch clip answer (01:26m)
WION
00:00 - 01:27
How has Taiwan responded to Japan's decision to allow Taiwanese individuals to list Taiwan as their place of origin in family registries?
Taiwan's government has warmly welcomed Japan's policy change regarding family registries. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson specifically praised the decision, stating that it will demonstrate respect for the identity of Taiwanese residents living in Japan. This positive response highlights the significance of the change for Taiwanese people, who previously had to be registered as part of China in Japanese documents. The move represents an important acknowledgment of Taiwanese identity within Japan's administrative system, even as China continues to urge Japan to adhere to the One China principle.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)WION
01:01 - 01:17
How has Japan's policy changed regarding Taiwanese residents' place of origin in family registries?
Japan has modified its policy to allow Taiwanese residents to list Taiwan, rather than China, as their place of origin in family registries. This represents a significant shift from the current practice where people from Taiwan are officially described as being from China. While Japan continues to regard Taiwan as a region rather than a country (a policy dating back to 1972 when Tokyo normalized relations with Beijing), this administrative change acknowledges Taiwan's distinct regional identity. The policy adjustment maintains Japan's diplomatic balancing act while responding to requests from Taiwanese residents seeking recognition of their regional heritage.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
WION
00:22 - 00:37
How did Taiwan respond to Japan's decision to allow Taiwanese citizens to list Taiwan as their place of origin in family registries?
Taiwan's government warmly welcomed Japan's decision to allow Taiwanese citizens to list Taiwan instead of China as their place of origin in family registries. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that this move demonstrates respect for the identity of Taiwanese residents living in Japan. This policy change is significant as it acknowledges the distinct regional identity of Taiwanese people, even though Japan officially regards Taiwan as a region rather than a sovereign country. The decision reinforces the close economic ties Japan has maintained with Taiwan, despite normalizing relations with Beijing in 1972.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)WION
00:57 - 01:11
How has Japan's policy regarding Taiwan's recognition in official documents changed?
Japan now allows Taiwan to be listed as a place of origin in its family registry, enabling Taiwanese individuals to express their regional identity distinct from China. This policy change, implemented from May, maintains Japan's consistent position of regarding Taiwan as a region rather than a country, a stance held since 1972 when Tokyo normalized relations with Beijing. While respecting Taiwanese regional identity, Japan's Justice Ministry clarified that this administrative change aligns with their long-standing diplomatic framework. The decision has been welcomed by Taiwan but strongly opposed by China, which views it as challenging their One China principle.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)WION
00:26 - 00:40
How did China respond to Japan's decision to allow Taiwanese individuals to list Taiwan as their place of origin in family registries?
China responded firmly to Japan's policy change by urging Japan to abide by the One China principle. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson explicitly warned Japan against using 'gimmicks' on the Taiwan question and cautioned the Japanese government not to send any conflicting or wrong signals regarding Taiwan's status. This response reflects China's consistent position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and demonstrates Beijing's sensitivity to any actions that might imply recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity from China.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)WION
01:13 - 01:27