The Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China stated that there have been up to 82 cases reported of family members going missing, being investigated, or forcibly detained when Taiwanese citizens travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The council emphasized the importance of registering on the “Dynamic Registration System for Taiwanese Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau” to receive necessary assistance in emergencies.
The Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China continued its governmental general questioning session today. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Chui Chui-cheng mentioned in a media interview that many families have reported cases of their relatives going missing, being investigated, or forcibly detained when traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, totaling 82 cases.
Chairman Chui stressed the need for Taiwanese travelers to register on the council’s system before heading to mainland China and highlighted that additional registrations mean more security assurances. He expressed gratitude to the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and various travel associations for assisting in publicizing the registration system and emphasized the importance of ensuring travelers’ safety.
In response to concerns about the resumption of cross-strait tourism and the potential influx of Chinese investment posing national security threats, Chui stated that the Council has always emphasized the importance of communication and negotiation through tourism-related meetings to prevent monopolization by specific interests and hinder quality tourism in Taiwan.
Chui highlighted that due to the lack of goodwill from the Chinese Communist Party towards Taiwan, coupled with the potential control of Chinese tourist groups by Chinese authorities, there is a risk of political and economic coercion, undermining the original intention of open tourism. He warned against falling into traps or being left in despair, as seen in cases where operators face severe financial losses and have no recourse.
On April 20, the Mainland Affairs Council announced that Chairman Chui Chui-cheng and Vice Chairman Shen Youzhong, along with staff, participated in the “Love the Earth Charity Run” event to raise awareness about the risks of traveling to mainland China and to encourage the effective use of the “Dynamic Registration System for Taiwanese Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.” The Council reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Taiwanese travelers amid the increasing trend of cases involving Taiwanese citizens going missing, being subjected to investigations, or facing restrictions on their personal freedom when traveling to mainland China.