The restriction on entry into China is obviously imposed out of national security considerations. The goal is to stop former government personnel from "joining the bandits" immediately after leaving their posts and leaking confidential information.
Another goal of the regulations is to protect the person in question. China has been severely criticized by the US and European countries for its human rights violations. The safety of businessmen in China is, therefore, under threat. Two years ago, China falsely accused a Taiwanese businessman, Kou Chien-ming
Pan put himself in peril when he entered China right after his retirement. He did nothing more than enter China without permission from Taiwan authorities. But the extensive media coverage of his trip led to him being labeled a "spy" by Chinese authorities and led to his detainment. Once China took Pan into custody, the case evolved into a suspected espionage incident. NSB Director-General Ting Yu-chou
Many Taiwanese business people have been kidnapped and murdered in China. The personal safety and property of the Taiwanese business community in China are threatened. If they also have to worry about espionage charges, an enormous political risk is being added to Tai-wanese investments in China
Pan's plight shows Taiwanese businessmen that the Chinese government is still waging a Cold War against Taiwan. This will only decrease the willingness of Taiwanese to invest in China.
Pan is obviously not a spy. Therefore, Beijing must release him as soon as possible.
Lee Ching-hsiung is a Taiwan Independence Party legislator.
Translated by Lise Chen
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