Taiwan Alarm: 458 Nationals Missing or Detained in China
Taiwan's MAC reports 458 nationals missing or detained in China, with a worrying trend of arrests targeting I-Kuan Tao religious followers.
Tensions and concerns over the safety of citizens crossing the strait have surged as Taiwan reports that 458 Taiwanese nationals are currently missing, detained for questioning, or facing restricted freedom of movement in China. According to the latest statistics from Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the number of affected individuals has seen a slight uptick over the past week.
The Breaking Down of the Numbers
The data released by the MAC, as reported by the Taipei Times, reveals a worrying trend of instability for Taiwanese citizens in mainland China. As of the most recent reporting period ending Friday, the figures are distributed as follows:
- Missing Persons: 175 Taiwanese nationals have been reported missing, an increase from 173 just a week prior.
- Detained for Questioning: 41 individuals are currently being held for interrogation, up from 39 in the previous week.
- Restricted Freedom: 242 Taiwanese nationals remain under the hold of Chinese authorities, a figure that has remained steady.
Religious Persecution: The I-Kuan Tao Crackdown
Beyond the general statistics, a more specific and alarming pattern has emerged involving members of the I-Kuan Tao religious group. Luo Wen-jia, the Secretary-General of the Straits Exchange Foundation, has highlighted a series of detentions that suggest a targeted crackdown on faith-based activities.
Between April and July, four specific cases were identified involving Taiwanese nationals who had lived and worked in China for years, rather than short-term visitors. These cases include:
- April: An individual with a Chinese residence permit living in Fujian Province.
- May: A Taiwanese teacher employed in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.
- June: A businessperson based in the tech hub of Shenzhen.
- July: A retired Taiwanese resident who had settled in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province.
Luo emphasized that the sole common thread among these four individuals was their membership in the I-Kuan Tao religious group. While previous arrests of followers typically happened during brief cultural exchanges or short visits, these latest incidents involve long-term residents, signaling a shift in the security environment.
Prison Sentences and 'Red Alerts'
The situation has escalated further with reports of criminal prosecutions. In October 2024, three Taiwanese followers of I-Kuan Tao were prosecuted under Article 300 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China. These individuals were handed prison sentences ranging from two to three years.
Of these three prisoners:
- One is still serving their sentence in a Chinese prison.
- One has completed the term and successfully returned to Taiwan.
- One has finished the sentence but remains unable to return home.
Urgent Warning to Citizens
"Circumstances previously considered safe could change," warned Luo Wen-jia.
Given the rising risks, Luo has urged all members of the I-Kuan Tao group currently in China to return to Taiwan immediately for their own protection. He has further called for the travel risk level for members of this religious group to be elevated to a "red alert," reflecting the severe danger they may face while visiting or residing in mainland China.