Taiwan Restricts Visits to China by Officials and Military to Preempt Espionage

As Part of President Lai Ching-te's Security Strategy
Introduction of Stricter "Long-term Residency System"
"China's United Front Tactics Penetrate All Corners of Taiwan"

President Tsai Ingwen of Taiwan is speaking at the World War II memorial event held in Taipei on the 8th. Photo by AFP

Reports from local Taiwanese media have stated that Taiwan is moving to tighten controls on visits to China by its public officials and military personnel. The aim is to prevent espionage by restricting travel to China for those with access to national secrets.

On May 30, outlets such as the United Daily News and Want Daily reported that Chiu Chui-cheng, Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which oversees mainland China affairs, expressed this position during his appearance at the Legislative Yuan (the national parliament) the previous day.

He explained that, in relation to the recent proposed amendments to the "Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" (hereafter referred to as the Cross-Strait Act) and the "Hong Kong and Macau Relations Ordinance," which were initiated by legislators, the government intends to expand the scope of application and review for public officials. This is due to concerns that visits to China could undermine Taiwan's national dignity. He added that the MAC is also considering expanding the scope of pre-visit reviews for Taiwanese public officials traveling to China.

Previously, President Lai Ching-te, known for his pro-U.S. and anti-China stance, announced in March the "Five Major National Security and United Front Threats Facing Taiwan and 17 Response Strategies" to block Chinese infiltration and threats in the military and across various sectors of society.

Accordingly, ruling Democratic Progressive Party legislators have proposed a bill to expand controls over visits to China, Hong Kong, and Macau by military personnel, public officials, and educators, in order to prevent Chinese infiltration and protect national security. They also plan to introduce a "long-term residency system" similar to foreign permanent residency systems. According to outlets such as the Taipei Times, this system is distinguished from previous policies because it includes measures such as introducing a "national security observation period" for applicants from China, Hong Kong, and Macau seeking residency or permanent residency in Taiwan.

Minister Chiu Chui-cheng publicly announced this policy direction last month, emphasizing that "China's united front tactics are infiltrating not only all parts of society but also every corner of the military." He stressed, "We are strengthening security checks and national security laws to block the infiltration of the Chinese Communist Party, and we are doing our utmost to defend ourselves."