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South Korea Drops 'China' Label for Taiwan in E-Arrival System After Protest

South Korea has confirmed it will remove fields from its electronic arrival card that listed Taiwan as "China (Taiwan)," following a protest from Taipei. The move is framed as a technical adjustment to streamline the system and align paper and electronic formats, applying the change to all countries. Taiwan had reciprocally changed South Korea's name in its own immigration system and set a deadline for action. The decision occurs within the context of South Korea's unofficial, practical ties with Taiwan since severing formal diplomatic relations in 1992.

Key Points: S. Korea Removes 'China Taiwan' Label After Taiwan's Protest

  • Label change follows Taiwan's protest
  • Move streamlines arrival system
  • Decision applies to all countries
  • Diplomatic ties severed in 1992
3 min read

South Korea to remove 'China Taiwan' label from e-arrival system after Taiwan's protest

South Korea will remove the 'China' label for Taiwan from its e-arrival system following a diplomatic protest and reciprocal naming changes by Taiwan.

"We have reviewed the matter and are moving forward with plans to remove the 'last point of departure' and 'next destination' fields - South Korean Official"

Seoul, April 1

South Korea will remove the 'China' label from its e-arrival system, a foreign ministry official has confirmed after Taiwan changed South Korea's name in its immigration system from "Korea" to 'Korea' in protest.

Seoul plans to remove the "last point of departure" and "next destination" fields from e-arrival cards, where the island nation had been listed as "China (Taiwan)", the official told reporters on Tuesday. It will remain listed as Taiwan in the country and region field.

"We have reviewed the matter and are moving forward with plans to remove the 'last point of departure' and 'next destination' fields from the electronic arrival card," he said.

The official said the paper arrival cards already do not include those fields, and that the move is part of efforts to streamline the system, improve convenience for visitors from Taiwan, and align the paper and electronic arrival formats, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Ministry of Justice is handling the matter in line with relevant procedures, the official said.

Seoul's decision came after Taiwan called for a "correction" in its labelling as "China (Taiwan)" on e-arrivals, saying it has changed South Korea's name in its immigration system from "Korea" to "Korea (South)" in a reciprocal measure.

Taipei had warned that it would take further corresponding steps if it sees no positive action from Seoul by the end of this month.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Tuesday that it has learned Seoul was under an "internal administrative and technical review" to update its e-arrival card system. It said Taiwan will temporarily suspend its own change to the e-entry registration.

Seoul noted that the decision was not made in response to Taiwan's stated March 31 deadline for possible additional measures over the labeling, but was intended to address the issue in a way that promotes practical, unofficial cooperation with Taiwan.

Taiwan is also reportedly expected to take reciprocal steps to restore "Korea" in its foreign residents certificates.

Seoul's decision to remove the two fields will be applied to all countries.

South Korea severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1992, when it established formal relations with mainland China. Since then, the two side have maintained practical ties in an unofficial manner.

China considers Taiwan, self-governed since it broke away from the mainland in 1949, as part of its territory that must be reunified by force if necessary, and it has strongly objected to any country that challenges this stance.

"We maintain necessary communication with China on matters of mutual interest," the Seoul official added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Interesting to see this play out. Taiwan is very assertive in defending its identity. From an Indian perspective, we understand the complexities of sovereignty and territorial disputes. Hope this doesn't increase tensions in the region. Peace is paramount. 🙏
R
Rahul R
Practical solution. They are just streamlining the form for everyone and avoiding a political spat. Smart. Taiwan gets what it wanted (the label removed) and China can't officially complain as the 'country' field still says Taiwan. Win-win diplomacy.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the diplomatic finesse, let's be honest—this is just kicking the can down the road. The core issue of Taiwan's status remains unresolved. The world needs clearer principles on self-determination, not more bureaucratic workarounds.
A
Aman W
Taiwan's tactic of reciprocal naming changes is effective! Shows how smaller economies can use their leverage. Many countries, including India, have to navigate these tricky waters with China. It's a lesson in asserting your position without direct confrontation.
K
Kavya N
Main thing is convenience for travellers. If removing two fields makes the process smoother for visitors from Taiwan (and everyone else), then it's a good administrative decision. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Less paperwork is always welcome! 😊

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