Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) has said that Lee Zhen-xiu (李貞秀), a Chinese spouse on the TPP list of at-large legislators, must renounce her Chinese nationality before taking office if she wishes to fill a legislative seat. She must also submit proof within one year of assuming the post to pledge her allegiance to Taiwan.

On Sunday, the TPP held its party congress and voted to retain its “two-year clause,” which requires at-large legislators to step down halfway through their four-year term and be replaced by others on the party list. The rule is intended to promote transparency and keep the party’s identity above any single politician.

Of the TPP’s eight current at-large legislators, all but the recently appointed Liu Shu-pin (劉書彬) will resign in January 2026. Lee, who is 15th on the list, will once again be in the spotlight over whether her nationality status will block her appointment.

Citing Article 20 of the Nationality Act, Liu said nationals holding foreign citizenship must complete the renunciation of their other nationality before taking office and obtain proof of loss within one year.

Earlier this year, the ministry found five village chiefs holding Chinese nationality. Hualien County’s Fuli Township Xuetian Village chief Deng Wan-hua (鄧萬華) was dismissed in August, the first such removal nationwide. Liu urged the remaining four to renounce Chinese nationality within a year and called on local governments to provide guidance.