Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says he hopes the government will begin issuing passports featuring a newly redesigned cover in January.
The current design has been criticized for prominently featuring Taiwan’s official name, “The Republic of China”. Critics say this creates confusion for those abroad not familiar with this official name, and could lead to Taiwanese citizens being confused for Chinese nationals.
In response, the Cabinet approved a new design last week that features the English word “Taiwan” more prominently, and relegates “The Republic of China” to small print encircling the national emblem.
On Wednesday, the foreign minister said that Taiwan will have to send out notifications of the design change and samples of the new passport to authorities around the world two months before the redesigned passports can be issued. He said he hopes to see the new passports in the hands of Taiwanese travelers in the New Year.