South Korea's 'China (Taiwan)' Designation Sparks Diplomatic Protest from Taipei Amid Regional Tensions

South Korea's "China (Taiwan)" Label Sparks Diplomatic Outcry from Taipei

A recent change on South Korea's online registration form for international arrivals, which now designates Taiwan as "China (Taiwan)", has ignited a significant diplomatic protest from Taipei. Taiwanese officials have decried the new label as both "unfriendly" and "factually incorrect," demanding immediate rectification from Seoul.

Taipei Voices Strong Disappointment and Calls for Correction

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed profound disappointment and dissatisfaction regarding the altered designation. The ministry confirmed that it has lodged repeated and serious concerns with the South Korean government. Taiwanese authorities are urging Seoul to promptly correct the e-arrival card, where dropdown menus for "previous departure place" and "next destination" now exclusively list Taiwan under the contentious "China (Taiwan)" label.

According to MOFA, despite multiple diplomatic representations, Taiwan has yet to receive a positive response from the South Korean administration regarding the requested change.

Impact on Travelers and Public Sentiment

The foreign ministry highlighted that this "unfriendly listing" is not merely a bureaucratic inconvenience. It is causing "unnecessary confusion" and practical difficulties for Taiwanese travelers visiting South Korea. More significantly, the ministry stated that the designation is "hurting public sentiment" within Taiwan, reflecting a deeper sense of affront to national identity.

Regional Geopolitical Context

This incident occurs amidst a sensitive period in East Asian geopolitics. It coincides with an ongoing diplomatic spat between Beijing and Tokyo, specifically concerning remarks made by the Japanese Prime Minister about a hypothetical contingency involving Taiwan. This broader regional tension underscores the sensitivity surrounding Taiwan's international status and how various nations choose to officially refer to it.

Taipei perceives this designation as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and a misrepresentation of its status, further complicating its long-standing efforts to maintain its distinct identity on the global stage.