Hualien's Xuetian Village Chief Deng Wanhua was dismissed due to issues related to his nationality in the People's Republic of China, becoming the first village chief nationwide to be dismissed for Chinese nationality issues. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that the Nationality Act requires public officials to provide proof of loss of foreign nationality within one year of assuming office, and the Ministry of the Interior is acting in accordance with the law. Deng Wanhua responded that he holds a Taiwan passport and was legally elected, and he will file a petition to protect his rights after being suddenly dismissed.