Taiwan ministry warns of China's 'united front' in religious exchanges

Taiwan's Ministry of Interior has initiated a religious policy awareness campaign, with its first stop in Kinmen, cautioning citizens against falling into "united front" traps during religious exchanges with mainland China.

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Over 20 people have gone to China and are inexplicably being held there, unable to return to this day.

Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang highlighted that over 20 Taiwanese individuals are currently being held in China under unclear circumstances, with some detained for as long as two to three years. She noted that the detainees come from various religious backgrounds, including Christianity, and the reasons for their detention remain unknown. Liu explained that China's legal system differs significantly from Taiwan's, making it difficult for the government to provide assistance once individuals are detained.

To mitigate risks, the ministry now encourages Taiwanese religious groups planning exchanges with mainland counterparts to leave details of their itinerary, including addresses and duration of stay, with authorities in Taiwan. This measure aims to facilitate easier location and assistance should individuals face issues. The campaign also covers topics such as the legalization of religious land and buildings, financial reporting for religious organizations, and regulations governing cross-strait religious interactions.

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The longest time, some have not been able to return for 2 to 3 years.

Luo Su-chuan, deputy director of the Ministry's Department of Religion and Civil Affairs, pointed out that while exchanges between Kinmen and nearby Fujian province, such as visits to the Mazu Temple, are common due to proximity, caution is still necessary. She warned that China views religion as a tool for political influence, citing the concept of "sinicization of religion" – reshaping religious practices to align with Chinese government objectives. Luo cautioned that phrases like "visiting ancestral temples" or "we are of the same origin" are often used to promote the "Chinese national identity" and "unification with the motherland," thereby ensnaring individuals in the "united front" strategy.

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China's legal system is different from Taiwan's. In Taiwan, if you encounter legal problems, you can consult a lawyer or legislator, but in China, the information is not that clear, and the government can only help in very limited ways.

The campaign, which includes over 130 religious organizations and associations, aims to foster understanding while ensuring participants are aware of the potential political implications and legal risks involved in cross-strait religious activities. The ministry stressed that while Taiwanese religious groups typically engage in exchanges for friendship and mutual understanding, Beijing may have different intentions, using religious interactions to advance its political agenda.

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China views religion as a tool, like the so-called 'sinicization of religion'; China wants to transform religion into what China wants it to be.