Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan [Yonhap News Photo]

Taiwanese authorities have stated that the number of Taiwanese citizens who have gone missing or been detained by public security authorities after visiting China is on the rise.

On the 8th, Taiwanese media outlets, including Liberty Times, reported citing statistics from the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan's body responsible for mainland China affairs, that the number of Taiwanese who lost contact or were detained during visits to China last month increased by 13 compared to March (330 people).

According to sources, out of the 13 individuals who went missing last month, 7 lost contact, 2 were under detention for investigation, and 4 were detained by authorities.

Sources indicated that from January 2024 to April of this year, there have been 343 cases of Taiwanese citizens experiencing situations such as disappearances, detentions, or arrests during their visits to China, showing an increasing trend each year.

In response, the MAC stated that in recent years, arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of foreigners by China, which has been strengthening its internal controls, have been increasing, and the risks of traveling to China have not diminished. The MAC urged Taiwanese citizens to refrain from unnecessary visits to China.

Following the inauguration of pro-US and independence-leaning President Lai Ching-te, Chinese authorities have declared an intolerant stance on Taiwanese independence and separatism. Consequently, the MAC has continuously requested Taiwanese citizens to refrain from visiting China, citing the possibility of arbitrary arrests.

Indeed, in August 2019, Taiwanese citizen Lee Meng-ju, who was visiting Hong Kong, was arrested without knowing the reason and detained for four years before being released in July 2023.