When Can Fu Cha Return to Taiwan? Taiwan Affairs Office Says 'Handle According to Law and Protect Rights'
Fu Cha (Li Yanhe), editor-in-chief of Bāqí Culture, was released in May after serving a 3-year sentence in China for 'inciting secession,' but cannot leave due to an additional 1-year deprivation of political rights. Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han only stated the case is handled according to law, without confirming his departure timeline.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 12:18
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(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Shuling, Beijing, 10th) Regarding whether Fu Cha (Li Yanhe), editor-in-chief of Bāqí Culture, has been released from prison in mainland China and when he can leave the country to return to Taiwan, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated today only that the case is being handled according to law and the legal rights of the individual are being protected.
Authoritative sources confirmed that Fu Cha (Li Yanhe), editor-in-chief of the Taiwanese publishing house Bāqí Culture, was sentenced to 3 years in prison in 2023 in China for the crime of 'inciting secession.' He was released upon completion of his sentence in May. However, because he still must serve an 'additional punishment' of 1 year of deprivation of political rights, he is currently unable to leave China.
At today's regular press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office, a Central News Agency reporter asked the office to confirm Fu Cha's release and exit status, and inquired whether he would definitely be able to leave and return to Taiwan after serving the one-year 'additional punishment.'
Zhang Han did not directly confirm this but stated, 'Regarding the Li Yanhe case, the relevant authorities have always handled it according to law, while also legally protecting the legal rights and interests of the individual.'
Fu Cha was detained by Shanghai state security authorities on March 21, 2023. In February 2025, the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court issued a first-instance verdict, sentencing him to 3 years in prison for 'inciting secession,' with 1 year of deprivation of political rights and confiscation of personal property of RMB 50,000 (approximately NT$230,000).
Bāqí Culture publishes many books on Chinese history and world history, most of which differ from the traditional Han-centric, grand-unification historical perspective, introducing many new viewpoints to the Taiwanese book market. Although Chinese officials have not explained, these non-mainstream ideologies may be the reason for his conviction.
Sources who maintain contact with Fu Cha's family recently indicated that Fu Cha has indeed been released. Regarding this, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) declined to confirm, citing consideration for the family. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150610
Authoritative sources confirmed that Fu Cha (Li Yanhe), editor-in-chief of the Taiwanese publishing house Bāqí Culture, was sentenced to 3 years in prison in 2023 in China for the crime of 'inciting secession.' He was released upon completion of his sentence in May. However, because he still must serve an 'additional punishment' of 1 year of deprivation of political rights, he is currently unable to leave China.
At today's regular press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office, a Central News Agency reporter asked the office to confirm Fu Cha's release and exit status, and inquired whether he would definitely be able to leave and return to Taiwan after serving the one-year 'additional punishment.'
Zhang Han did not directly confirm this but stated, 'Regarding the Li Yanhe case, the relevant authorities have always handled it according to law, while also legally protecting the legal rights and interests of the individual.'
Fu Cha was detained by Shanghai state security authorities on March 21, 2023. In February 2025, the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court issued a first-instance verdict, sentencing him to 3 years in prison for 'inciting secession,' with 1 year of deprivation of political rights and confiscation of personal property of RMB 50,000 (approximately NT$230,000).
Bāqí Culture publishes many books on Chinese history and world history, most of which differ from the traditional Han-centric, grand-unification historical perspective, introducing many new viewpoints to the Taiwanese book market. Although Chinese officials have not explained, these non-mainstream ideologies may be the reason for his conviction.
Sources who maintain contact with Fu Cha's family recently indicated that Fu Cha has indeed been released. Regarding this, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) declined to confirm, citing consideration for the family. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150610
FAQ
When can Fu Cha (Li Yanhe) return to Taiwan?
Currently unknown. He cannot leave China until the 1-year additional punishment of deprivation of political rights ends, but the exact return date is undecided.
What was Fu Cha's sentence?
In February 2025, the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court sentenced him to 3 years in prison, 1 year of deprivation of political rights, and a fine of RMB 50,000 for 'inciting secession.'
What has the Taiwan Affairs Office said about this case?
Spokesperson Zhang Han only stated that the case is being handled according to law and the individual's legal rights are being protected, avoiding detailed comments.