There were 89 Taiwanese missing or detained in China as of last month, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said today, as it reiterated the risks of traveling to the country.
From Jan. 1 last year to the end of last month, there were 102 total reported cases in which Taiwanese were interrogated or detained when traveling to China, MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said at a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Internal Administration Committee.
Last year, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) increased the risk level for Taiwanese traveling to China by issuing a 22-point set of “guidelines” to penalize “Taiwanese independence separatists,” Chiu said.
Photo: Reuters
Since Jan. 1 last year, of the 102 petitions received regarding Taiwanese who traveled to China and experienced interrogation, detention or unlawful detainment, 89 went missing and had their personal freedoms restricted, while 13 were interrogated and temporarily detained, Chiu said.
The government would continue to publish information and reminders on the risks of traveling to China through its Web site, social media and news conferences, Chiu added.
Although people are free to travel, members of the public are also encouraged to register on the council’s online platform for travelers to China, Hong Kong and Macau so that the government can provide immediate assistance if something happens, Chiu said.
A total of 86,387 people registered on the platform between January 2023 and the end of last month, he said.
The government would also continue to promote courses on China to ensure that students have an in-depth understanding of cross-strait relations, Chiu said.
The CCP has chosen to focus on young people as the focus of its work in Taiwan, Chiu said.
The council also reminds students of the risks associated with studying in China, he added.
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