Premier Mao Chi-kuo says that the ID cards Beijing has begun issuing to Taiwanese visitors to China do not store personal data.
Recently, Beijing unilaterally announced that it would replace entry permits for Taiwanese visitors with photo ID cards. Some critics say that the move seeks to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, while others have raised privacy concerns.
At the legislature on Friday, Mao explained that the cards cannot be used to track users.
"The chip on the card only has a storage volume of no more than 0.1MB and does not store biometric data," Mao said. "The Chinese side said that it’s a ‘write once read many’ chip. It does not transmit signals or have satellite positioning features. [The chip] cannot be used to track its user."
The premier also said that the government will continue to monitor any developments in the use of China-issued ID cards. He said that China should consult with Taiwan regarding matters that affect cross-strait ties and avoid making the same unilateral moves again.