Interior Minister Chen Wei-zen says the decision to list Chinese tourists as “foreigners” on an online application form is not politically motivated.
The Longkeng and Najenshan Ecological Reserve Areas in Kenting National Park limit the number of visitors allowed in every day. Visitors much make an online reservation in advance to be admitted.
There are further limits in place on the number of foreign nationals allowed in per day. Beginning in March, Chinese visitors will also be subject to this quota, meaning that they must register as “foreign travelers”.
On Wednesday, the Interior Minister said that this designation is meant to refer to people who come from outside Taiwan’s borders, and does not represent a political separation. He said the move is designed to ensure that Taiwanese travelers have a chance to visit the reserve areas.