Taiwan Warns of 'Red Alert' for China Travel Amid Surge in Detentions

Taiwanese authorities have issued a stark warning to citizens considering travel to mainland China, citing a significant increase in disappearances and detentions. As of July 22, 2024, a total of 402 Taiwanese nationals have been reported missing, detained, or subjected to identity checks in China.

The situation has escalated dramatically, with the number of reported cases rising from 55 in 2023 to 221 in 2024, and already reaching 126 in the first seven months of this year. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) revealed that 91 out of 225 reported missing persons cases in the past 18 months remain unaccounted for.

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I-Kuan Tao members absolutely must not go.

Of particular concern is a 50% surge in detentions related to religious beliefs over the past three months, totaling 19 cases. These incidents involve individuals ranging from long-term residents and businesspeople to tourists and those engaged in cultural exchange. SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-chia specifically advised members of the "I-Kuan Tao" religious group to avoid traveling to China.

While some lawmakers questioned the necessity of the warnings, suggesting a political motive, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng emphasized the government's duty to alert citizens to the risks. He confirmed one national security case, details of which cannot be disclosed due to family requests, underscoring the complex and sensitive nature of these detentions.

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The risk to the personal safety of our citizens traveling to China has indeed shown a significant increase.