MAC: Over 400 Taiwanese Detained, Questioned or Missing in China Since 2024
More than 400 Taiwanese citizens have been detained, questioned or gone missing in China since 2024, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council. Officials warn that Beijing's vague national security laws make it difficult to track those held by state agencies.
Taiwanese Citizens Detained in China
REPORTER:
Over 400 Taiwanese citizens have been detained, questioned, or reported missing in China since 2024, according to the latest government figures.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles relations with China, says 154 Taiwanese travelers remain unaccounted for there. Officials say they cannot verify how many may be held by Chinese state security agencies without formal notification. While 62 percent of confirmed detentions involve telecom fraud cases, they warn that Beijing's broad and vague security laws are creating a dangerous blind spot.
Chiu Chui-cheng (MINISTER, MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL):
In cases involving national security
China generally does not notify us.
Out of the 154 missing person cases
we currently have no way of determining
how many may involve national security.
This requires cooperation from the other side.
REPORTER:
Beijing's expanded security laws target activities seen as supporting Taiwanese independence and allow authorities to check tourists' mobile devices on the spot.
