Taiwan Warns of Risks in China Amid Beijing's 'Happy Visit, Safe Return' Claim

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has reported a significant number of Taiwanese citizens have gone missing or experienced restricted freedom after traveling to mainland China. In response, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of fabricating lies, asserting that Taiwanese visitors can "come happily and return safely."

However, the DPP has sharply refuted Beijing's claims, highlighting specific Chinese legislation they argue is used to intimidate Taiwanese citizens. DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng cited China's "Anti-Secession Law" and the recently enacted "Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress" (effective July 1) as examples of legal measures employed to suppress and threaten people from Taiwan.

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The definition of 'not violating the law' by the TAO certainly includes China's 'Anti-Secession Law' and the 'Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress.' However, China is a society governed by people, and the interpretation of law rests with its political bodies.

"The definition of 'not violating the law' by the TAO certainly includes China's 'Anti-Secession Law' and the 'Law on the Promotion of National Unity and Progress.' However, China is a society governed by people, and the interpretation of law rests with its political bodies," Wu stated during a press conference. He emphasized the government's obligation to remind citizens of potential personal safety risks when traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The DPP also criticized the TAO's remarks regarding Taiwan's military exercises, calling them unhelpful for stable cross-Strait relations. Wu pointed to recent high-profile corruption investigations within China's military, involving former vice chairmen, chiefs of staff, and defense ministers, as evidence of internal instability, contrasting it with Taiwan's focus on national defense for its citizens' safety. The party maintains that Beijing's attempts to intimidate Taiwan through rhetoric are ineffective.

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The TAO's claims that the National Army's joint defense exercises are 'seeking independence through military means' and that the Han Kuang exercises are for preparing independence are completely unhelpful for promoting stable and healthy cross-Strait relations. Everyone finds the text attempting to intimidate Taiwanese society very absurd.