Resistance to dual citizenship in Germany and China can be compared in a meaningful way. In both states, single citizenship regime is historically constructed during the Cold War era. Although the international norm is changing towards a more tolerant acceptance of dual citizenship, the change contradicts the German and Chinese citizenship tradition. The persistence of traditional citizenship, has disabled the migrant’s claims-making especially for the German immigrants and Chinese emigrants. This article examines two case studies where emigrant dual citizenship and immigrant dual citizenship are considered undesirable by the states. It suggests that the legalisation of dual citizenship does not yield benefits to the national identity and interests of both states.