The new regulation for Taiwan residents to apply for residence permit in Chinese mainland accords with Taiwan people's will and is completely voluntary.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office made the remarks at Wednesday's press conference while responding to a question that the Taiwan authorities plan to place restrictions on people who hold the mainland residence permit.

"The residence permit is made at the request of the Taiwan people. It is a measure to facilitate their study, work, and life in the Chinese mainland," said An. 

"It's entirely voluntary without any mandatory requirements," said An, adding the regulation does not involve adjustment of the political rights and obligations of Taiwan residents.

Activated on September 1, 2018, the regulation allows Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents living in the Chinese mainland to apply for a residence card that promises them the same rights enjoyed by mainland residents. 

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An told reporters at another press conference in early September that over 22,000 Taiwan residents have applied for the permits 10 days after the regulation comes into effect.

Previously Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents living in the Chinese mainland were issued a travel permit that do not always allow a convenient verification of their ID, especially when it comes to accessing digital applications and public services, as these platforms only recognize the 18-digit ID of mainland residents.