Chiu Chui-cheng: Travel to China Carries Risks, 361 Cases of Disappearances and Detentions Since 2024

By Central News Agency Reporter Lu Chia-jung, Taipei, June 17

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng stated today that the risks for Taiwanese traveling to mainland China have increased. From 2024 to the present, 361 Taiwanese individuals have gone missing, disappeared, been interrogated, or had their personal freedom restricted under the criminal law of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chiu made the remarks during a media briefing before the 17th plenary session of the Interior Committee of the 11th Legislative Yuan's 5th session.

Chiu emphasized that the risks for Taiwanese traveling to China are rising and urged citizens to pay attention to their personal safety. The number of cases involving unexplained whereabouts, disappearances, interrogations, or restrictions on personal freedom under China's criminal law continues to increase. From 2024 to now, there have been 361 such cases: 55 in 2024, 221 in 2025, and 85 from the beginning of this year through May.

When asked by media whether Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Eric Chu's statement distinguishing the 1992 Consensus from 'one country, two systems' was accurate, Chiu responded that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has redefined the 1992 Consensus. The so-called 1992 Consensus, the one-China principle, and 'one country, two systems' have become an integrated framework for China's policy toward Taiwan. Under this framework, there is no space for the existence of the Republic of China. This is a fact, Chiu stated, and the vast majority of Taiwanese oppose 'one country, two systems.' He urged relevant parties not to confuse public perception.

Regarding KMT legislator Chen Yu-chen's invitation to mainland actor Zhang Linghe, star of the drama 'Chasing Jade,' to visit Kinmen during the Strait Forum, Chiu stressed that the government has consistently preserved and maintained existing cross-strait communication mechanisms. However, it is the Chinese side that has imposed political preconditions, preventing official dialogue. The responsibility lies with the mainland, whose precondition is the elimination of the Republic of China.

He reiterated that the government remains willing to promote equal, dignified, healthy, and orderly cross-strait exchanges. Any application that complies with regulations and does not involve united front tactics will receive necessary government assistance. (Edited by Chu Chien-ling) 1150617