Japan-Taiwan relations
What is Japan's new policy regarding Taiwan's recognition in family registries?
Japan has implemented a significant policy change allowing people from Taiwan to list the island as their place of origin in Japan's family registry system, rather than being classified under China. This change, effective from May, responds to requests from Taiwanese spouses in Japan who wish to express their regional identity distinctly from mainland China. The decision represents a notable shift in Japan's approach to Taiwan's status, while still operating within the framework of the One China policy. Taiwan's government has welcomed this historic recognition, viewing it as an important acknowledgment of Taiwanese identity, despite warnings from China against such changes.
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WION
00:00 - 00:12
How has China responded to Japan's policy allowing Taiwan to be listed as a place of origin in family registries?
China has firmly urged Japan to abide by the One China principle following this policy change. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson specifically warned Japan against using 'gimmicks' on the Taiwan question and advised against sending any conflicting or wrong signals that might undermine China's position. Beijing considers Taiwan its own territory and strongly opposes any international actions that could confer legitimacy on Taiwan as a separate entity. This response reflects China's consistent stance against what it perceives as challenges to its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, viewing Japan's registry policy change as potentially legitimizing Taiwan's distinct status.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)WION
01:09 - 01:30
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
What change has Japan made regarding Taiwanese identity in their family registry system?
Japan has implemented a significant policy change allowing people from Taiwan to list the island as their place of origin in the Japanese family registry, instead of being required to list China. This new guideline from the Japanese Justice Ministry permits Taiwanese individuals to officially designate their regional identity in family documents. The change addresses requests from Taiwanese spouses who wish to affirm their distinct regional identity while living in Japan. While Japan still formally adheres to the One China policy established in 1972, this administrative update reflects Japan's respect for Taiwanese identity within its documentation system.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
WION
00:00 - 00:11
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