The Cabinet says the government does not ban diplomats stationed abroad from using the word “Taiwan” on their business cards. That was the word from Cabinet spokesman Ting Yi-ming on Tuesday.

Ting was responding to a local media report that implied the foreign ministry has imposed such a ban. The report said the foreign ministry had directions for embassies regarding the use of symbols like Taiwan’s national flag and national flower on the front of business cards, but there was no mention on the use of the word “Taiwan.”  

Ting said the government has used the “Republic of China (Taiwan)” in its diplomatic correspondence with countries that maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The Republic of China is Taiwan’s official name.

To raise Taiwan’s international profile, Ting said the Cabinet will set up a task force to handle the matter. Passport cover design, business cards used by diplomats and the name of the national carrier China Airlines will be discussed.

Also on Monday, the foreign ministry said it will ensure that Taiwan’s official name and Taiwanese identity are visible on diplomats’ business cards and Taiwan’s missions abroad.