Is it easier for bald people to disguise themselves? China apparently thinks so, but a rule preventing bald Taiwanese visitors to the southern Chinese city of Xiamen has been repealed due to discrimination concerns.
The rule barred bald Taiwanese people from applying for one-year multiple-entry permits, according to Taiwan's Travel Agent Association. "It would probably have raised the question of discrimination if Chinese customs officials were to ask visitors to remove their wigs," said Roger Hsu, a spokesman for the association.
The Taipei-based Liberty Times quoted unnamed travel agents as saying that Chinese authorities were concerned that "it was easier for bald people to disguise themselves".
There were no official statistics on how many people had been denied entry because they were bald.
Ties between Taiwan and China have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou became the island's president in 2008 vowing to boost trade and tourism. Beijing still considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war.
