Mainland China to Enforce New National Security Regulations from July 1st, Authorizing Security Personnel to Inspect Passengers’ Belongings and Electronic Devices; Measures Allegedly Implemented Early by Shenzhen and Shanghai Customs. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council on the 9th Warns of Cases as Early as June Last Year, Not Limited to One City; Asserts Severe Infringement on Personal Rights, Potentially Intensifying Cross-Sector Chill, Urging Caution Among Travelers to China.
From July 1st, Mainland China will implement the “Administrative Enforcement Procedures of National Security Agencies” and the “Criminal Case Handling Procedures of National Security Agencies.” Deputy Minister and Spokesperson of the Mainland Affairs Council, Chien Chih-hung, disclosed during a routine press conference on the 9th that these regulations easily allow scrutiny of individuals’ phone contents, with cases identified as early as June last year.
Chien highlighted cases where Taiwanese teachers were detained at airports for 3 to 4 hours, enduring extensive questioning and phone inspections, describing the ordeal as excruciating. He noted that some teachers have adapted by carrying new phones without laptops when traveling to China, questioning the significance of such exchanges.
Regarding future travel by Taiwanese tour groups to China, Chien cautioned that if one out of 30 travelers were detained, it would pose a dilemma for tour operators in terms of care and response. Despite feedback from operators to mainland authorities, no formal response has been received to date.
Chien also mentioned more severe cases involving immediate confiscation of travel documents and deportation on the spot, a scenario not uncommon. Cases involve individuals from various backgrounds, including those in scientific research, academia, political involvement, religious circles, and business sectors.
“Individual cases should not be underestimated,” Chien expressed concern, highlighting their potential to deter participation in normal cross-strait exchanges, urging vigilance among Taiwanese citizens and calling for Beijing’s reflection on the impact of such policies on cross-strait relations.
On the 9th, the Mainland Affairs Council reiterated through a press release that since 2015, the Chinese Communist Party has significantly amended national security laws, expanding definitions, increasing enforcement powers, and imposing obligations and responsibilities on individuals to combat espionage. Furthermore, it extends enforcement jurisdiction to monitor and arrest individuals overseas who criticize the CCP, conducting investigations upon their arrival in mainland China.
The council warned that even attire, accessories worn in public places, or the creation, dissemination, or distribution of materials deemed by the CCP to “harm the spirit of the Chinese nation” or “injure the feelings of the Chinese people” could violate Chinese laws.
The council urged Taiwanese citizens to carefully consider the necessity of traveling to China and reminded them to register via the Mainland Affairs Council’s “Dynamic Registration System for Taiwanese Traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau” before traveling. It also reiterated the importance for Taiwanese individuals currently living, investing, studying, or developing in mainland China to be mindful of relevant legal provisions, speak cautiously, and avoid violating laws that could lead to penalties or endanger personal safety.