The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh has emphasized the importance of caution for Taiwanese traveling to China, citing heightened safety concerns. In a recent radio interview, Liang elaborated on the reasons behind the council’s decision to elevate the travel alert for China, Hong Kong, and Macau to “orange,” advising against unnecessary travel to these regions.
Travel Advisory Raised to ‘Orange’
The government’s four-tier travel advisory system now ranks China, Hong Kong, and Macau at the second-highest level of alert due to increased risks. The new advisory comes amid recent amendments to China’s Counter-Espionage Law and Law on the Guarding of State Secrets, which grant Chinese national security authorities the power to inspect travelers’ electronic devices. This development follows the recent detainment of a Taiwanese businessman under China’s National Security Law.
Legal and Security Concerns
The amendments to China’s espionage law, effective as of yesterday, have raised significant concerns for Taiwanese operating in China. The heightened alert serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with the new legal framework, which could lead to inspections and accusations of contravening national security laws.
Broader Security Implications
Taiwanese senior security officials have also warned of the potential for increased detainments of Taiwanese under laws targeting supporters of Taiwanese independence. Beijing’s recent legal guidelines allow for trials in absentia of “Taiwan independence separatists,” with severe penalties, including the death penalty, for those deemed to have caused “grave harm” to China and its people.
International and Economic Impact
The increased travel alert and legal changes have significant implications for Taiwanese businesspeople in China. According to data from the Straits Exchange Foundation, there have been numerous complaints regarding personal safety and property rights violations. Additionally, China’s sluggish economic recovery and stringent tax scrutiny have prompted many Taiwanese businesses to consider withdrawing from the market. However, the control over remittance of funds poses challenges, with some resorting to risky back channels to transfer money out of China.
Risks of Back Channel Transfers
Using back channels to transfer funds from China involves high risks and significant commissions, often ranging from 30 to 40 percent. Instances of embezzlement are common, making it difficult for victims to recover their money, even with legal action. The lack of formal receipts and the illicit nature of these transactions further complicate the situation.
Support from Straits Exchange Foundation
In cases of financial or operational difficulties in China, Taiwanese businesspeople can seek assistance from the Straits Exchange Foundation, which communicates with the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS). However, this option is not viable for those using back channels, as it would expose illegal activities and complicate the recovery of funds.
Conclusion
The MAC’s heightened travel alert reflects the growing security and legal risks for Taiwanese in China. Businesspeople and travelers are urged to exercise increased caution and consider the potential implications of the new legal environment. The evolving situation necessitates careful navigation to safeguard personal and financial interests while operating or traveling in China.