SEF: 3 I-Kuan Tao Followers Detained in China in May
SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia announced that three I-Kuan Tao followers were detained in China in May, urging followers to avoid traveling to the mainland.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 18:16
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 18:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 31, 2026 at 21:16 (218h 44m after Collected)
CNA reporter Chen Kai-yu, Taipei, May 22. Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia announced today that in May, three I-Kuan Tao followers were detained and had their personal freedom restricted after visiting Fujian and Guangdong provinces in mainland China. Since 2019, a total of 19 Taiwanese citizens have been detained in China for religious reasons across 17 cases. Luo urged I-Kuan Tao followers not to travel to China. During a briefing, Luo pointed out that China's 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress,' passed in March, poses risks to Taiwanese visitors. Of the 19 detained, 14 are I-Kuan Tao followers, with others belonging to the Unification Church and Christian groups. Luo noted that the communication mechanism between the SEF and China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) has been suspended for 10 years, and China did not notify the SEF about these detentions. He also expressed concern over China's refusal to expedite the repatriation of illegal immigrants from China currently in Taiwan.
FAQ
What are the risks for Taiwanese traveling to China?
There is an increased risk of detention, especially for those involved in religious or political activities, due to stricter surveillance.