Taiwan cracks down on holders of Chinese ID amid fears over propaganda and espionage

Expulsion of people holding a Chinese passport or ID card prompts debate over identity, loyalty and freedom

Taiwan has launched a crackdown on holders of illegal Chinese identity documents, revoking the Taiwanese status of more than 20 people and putting tens of thousands of Chinese-born residents under scrutiny.

Under Taiwan law it is illegal for Taiwanese people to hold Chinese identity documents. In the past decade, hundreds of people have had their Taiwanese papers or passports cancelled for also holding Chinese ID, effectively revoking their citizenship.