Ministry of Education: Continuously Supervising School Trips to China and Strengthening Review Mechanisms for Exchanges

(Central News Agency reporters Lai Yu-chen and Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 16th) The 'Cross-Strait Young Teachers North疆 Tour' has drawn attention after being accused of involvement in united front activities. The 8-day, 7-night program has been criticized for potentially serving as a platform for political influence. Formerly, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Vice Chairman Shen You-zhong warned that such 'cross-strait exchange' events hosted in China often overlook the risks of united front infiltration.

Chen Li-ying, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International and Cross-Strait Education at the Ministry of Education, stated during today's post-Cabinet press conference that the ministry has always promoted healthy and orderly educational exchanges between the two sides based on rationality, equality, and mutual benefit. In practice, the ministry operates the Cross-Strait Education Exchange Registration Platform and has repeatedly issued notices to schools at all levels, reminding them not to violate Article 33-1 of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area People Relations Act regarding cooperative activities.

Chen emphasized that the Ministry strictly reviews all exchanges and continues to supervise schools' attention to reception arrangements in China. The ministry will also provide schools with case details of Chinese-hosted programs published by the MAC when teachers conduct related training.

When asked whether stronger mandatory measures are needed—given that Chinese-hosted programs are reported every summer—Chen stressed that existing mechanisms are already in place. In the past, if complaints were verified, the relevant schools had their subsidies and grants deducted.

Administrative Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih, during the press conference, stated that the MAC reported recently receiving family notifications of 10 additional Taiwanese people going missing in China within one week. As a result, the Administrative Yuan urges citizens to carefully consider the necessity of traveling to China and reminds those currently in China to pay attention to personal safety. The government also recommends registering on the MAC's system before traveling to China, Hong Kong, or Macau, enabling authorities to provide timely emergency assistance. (Edited by Su Chih-tsung) 1150716

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