MAC head warns travelers after detention incident in China

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會, MAC) has confirmed the release of a Taiwanese tour group member who was detained for investigation during a trip to China. MAC's head, Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), announced on Friday (June 7) that the council has begun to understand the reasons behind the detention and plans to delve deeper into the case with the individuals involved.

Safety Concerns for Travelers

Chiu urged the public to be cautious about their personal safety when traveling to China, advising them to carefully assess the risks and to register with the platform that documents entry to China, Hong Kong, and Macao to ensure their safety. This incident marks the first time a member of a Taiwanese tour group has been detained in China, highlighting potential risks for travelers.

Cross-Strait Relations

In the context of cross-strait relations, the upcoming Straits Forum (海峽論壇) on June 15 has seen applications from local leaders in Yunlin and Kinmen to attend. MAC's deputy head, Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), confirmed their participation amidst concerns from Chiu. Chiu expressed MAC's disapproval of local government involvement in the forum, criticizing it as a one-sided platform for "exchange" cloaked in "United Front" tactics by the Chinese Communist Party.

The incident and the upcoming forum underscore the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations and the importance of safety and political considerations for Taiwanese citizens and officials engaging with China.