Taiwan suspended retaliation measures against South Korea that were set to take effect tomorrow. This diplomatic dispute began after South Korea listed Taiwan as China (Taiwan) in its e-arrival system dropdown menus. Seoul informed Taipei ahead of the deadline that it was updating its e-arrival system for the purpose of facilitating international travel.
MOFA spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei told a weekly briefing that South Korea did not specify whether the update would replace Taiwan’s designation. It also did not provide a timeline for the change. “Given the fact that we have clearly expressed our demand, we expect the Korean side to give an appropriate response,” Hsiao said. Therefore, this diplomatic dispute remains unresolved despite the temporary suspension.
The dispute started after South Korea introduced a new online immigration entry system on Feb. 24, 2025. The system listed Taiwan as China (Taiwan) as an alternative to paper landing cards. Taiwan protested this listing for months. On March 1, Taiwan changed South Korea’s designation on government-issued alien resident certificates to South Korea from the Republic of Korea. This was a reciprocal gesture of goodwill.
MOFA announced last week that if South Korea did not respond positively before today, Taiwan would revise its own online immigration entry system. The change would alter Korea, Republic of to Korea (South). The looming retaliation prompted Seoul to announce its system update. However, this diplomatic dispute continues because South Korea provided no specifics about the changes.
South Korea showed goodwill by postponing the full phaseout of its paper arrival cards. The original schedule had set the phaseout for February this year. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung acknowledged this gesture. Nevertheless, Taiwan has made it clear that Seoul should show its respect by revising the listing to Taiwan as soon as possible.
The e-arrival system dispute reflects broader tensions over how South Korea designates Taiwan. Taiwan insists on being listed separately from China. South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with Beijing while also having substantial economic and cultural ties with Taipei. This diplomatic dispute has tested those relationships.
Hsiao expressed hope that the Korean side would give an appropriate response. Taiwan’s suspension of retaliation gives Seoul time to implement meaningful changes. However, without a clear commitment, this diplomatic dispute could resurface. The outcome will depend on whether South Korea ultimately revises the listing to Taiwan.
In conclusion, Taiwan suspended retaliation measures against South Korea after Seoul announced it would update its e-arrival system. This diplomatic dispute began over South Korea’s listing of Taiwan as China (Taiwan) in its online immigration entry system. South Korea did not specify whether the update would change the designation or provide a timeline. Taiwan expects an appropriate response and has made clear that Seoul should revise the listing to Taiwan as soon as possible. The temporary suspension gives both sides room for further consultations. However, this diplomatic dispute will likely continue until South Korea makes a definitive change. The outcome will have implications for how other countries designate Taiwan in their electronic travel systems.
