CCP united front 'roots down': Tainan councilor urges probe into elementary, middle school trips to China

A city councilor in Tainan, Taiwan, is demanding a thorough investigation into elementary and middle school students traveling to mainland China, citing concerns about potential Chinese Communist Party united front tactics. Councilor Lee Tsung-lin highlighted a recent watchdog report that warned of the CCP's "downward rooting" united front efforts, urging the education bureau to comprehensively review student exchanges.

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The CCP's united front has "downward rooted" its efforts, issuing a warning.

Lee pointed to a dramatic increase in national elementary and middle school students visiting China, from 38 in 2022 to 2,066 by 2025. This surge indicates that the CCP's united front targets have expanded beyond universities to include younger students. He criticized the Ministry of Education's reporting platform for exchanges, noting issues with underreporting and superficial follow-ups. Lee also revealed that some teachers recruit students for trips via private groups or use non-governmental organizations to circumvent official registration mechanisms.

Adding to the concern, Lee noted that official records show zero violations for schools below the high school level between 2019 and 2025, suggesting significant undercounting by local authorities. He called on the Tainan education bureau to immediately investigate the "hidden numbers" of student exchanges to China, thoroughly examine the implementation of school registration systems, and establish proactive verification and disciplinary measures. Relying solely on a "zero violation" record is insufficient for effective management, he argued.

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We must not use 'zero violations' as the basis for management effectiveness.

Education Bureau Director Cheng Hsin-hui acknowledged the need for caution, distinguishing between simple tourism and "invited" exchanges. He stressed that all invitations must be reported. Cheng warned that China often uses "beautifully packaged" exchange activities that can obscure risks, and the bureau will continue to enhance students' and teachers' awareness and understanding of cross-Strait exchanges. The bureau also plans to collaborate with anti-corruption systems and relevant agencies to disseminate information to schools.

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China often uses 'beautifully packaged' exchange activities that can obscure risks.