I-Kuan Tao Followers Detained in China; Mainland Affairs Council Advises Against Travel

Central News Agency (Reporter Li Ya-ju, Taipei, May 27) The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) revealed that in May, three more I-Kuan Tao followers were detained in mainland China for unknown reasons. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council of China claimed this was "rumor-mongering." The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the Chinese Communist Party continues to suppress religious freedom and human rights, and urged I-Kuan Tao followers to avoid traveling to China. The MAC stated on the 27th that since January 2024, a total of 17 Taiwanese I-Kuan Tao followers have been arrested or detained by relevant Chinese authorities. Although they were only in China to promote traditional Chinese culture and lecture on the Four Books and Five Classics, the CCP views I-Kuan Tao as a cult, illegally arresting, detaining, and even sentencing them. The MAC stated that because the CCP has continued to suppress religious freedom and human rights in recent years, and the methods have become increasingly severe, the government must once again call on I-Kuan Tao followers to avoid traveling to China to prevent being detained. SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia revealed on the 22nd that two cases of I-Kuan Tao followers being detained occurred in May. Three followers were restricted of their personal freedom in Fujian and Guangdong for unknown reasons, and the Chinese side did not notify Taiwan according to existing agreements. TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua responded to related questions at a regular press conference this morning, saying that China encourages and supports cross-strait exchanges in various fields, and as long as they do not engage in illegal or criminal activities, Taiwanese residents need not have any concerns about traveling to the mainland. Chen claimed that the situation is "malicious hype and smear campaigns against the mainland, attempting to create a chilling effect, obstruct and sabotage cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, and escalate cross-strait confrontation." Chen did not respond directly to the situation of the three detained Taiwanese I-Kuan Tao followers, nor did he confirm it.