Taiwan Minister Issues Apology Amid Backlash for ‘Racist’ Remark Toward Indians

Labour Minister Hsu Ming-chun issued an apology on Tuesday regarding her recent comments on the planned recruitment of Indian migrant workers, which have drawn criticism for being perceived as “racist,” as reported by Central News Agency Taiwan.

In an interview, Minister Hsu had indicated that the ministry’s initial focus would be on recruiting workers from northeastern India due to perceived similarities in skin color and dietary habits.

Furthermore, she highlighted that individuals from this region, primarily Christians, are deemed skilled in manufacturing, construction, and farming, according to assessments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), as per Central News Agency.

During a legislative hearing on Tuesday morning, Hsu expressed regret for her “inaccurate” remarks, clarifying that Taiwan’s labor policies are designed to uphold equality without discrimination, whether for local or foreign workers.

According to the Central News Agency, she underscored her intention to commend the abilities and contributions of Indian workers, dissociating from any discriminatory intent.

Legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party strongly criticized Hsu’s statements in a video posted on X, arguing against the use of skin color or race as criteria for recruiting migrant workers.

In a statement released on Monday night, the Labor Ministry apologized for Hsu’s “inaccurate” choice of words, emphasizing that the comments were not intended to discriminate.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an apology, acknowledging the inadequacy of the discussions surrounding the planned recruitment of Indian workers.

The statement emphasized Taiwan’s inclusive civil society, which welcomes diverse viewpoints and facilitates the expression of a wide range of opinions.

Furthermore, it underscored Taiwan’s profound respect for India’s rich cultural diversity and emphasized the importance of the longstanding friendship between the peoples of Taiwan and India. The ministry committed to intensifying efforts to promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two nations, with the goal of deepening cooperation and partnership.

The ministry also expressed optimism that the people of Taiwan would support the country’s endeavors to engage with the global community and enhance meaningful interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.