Sister of DPP Legislator's Relative Detained in Shenzhen Luohu Detention Center? Spokesperson Denies Cover-Up, Fears Official Intervention Could Worsen Persecution

KMT legislator Hsieh Lung-chieh, during a legislative session on July 29, raised concerns that a relative of a senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official had gone missing in mainland China, allegedly detained at the Shenzhen Luohu Detention Center. He accused the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of covering up the incident by withholding information. In response, MAC Vice Chairman David Lee stated on July 30 that the council had been aware of the case since early July. Hsieh had sent an official letter naming the individual, but as he is not a family member, the MAC cannot disclose personal information, making the claim of a cover-up inaccurate.

Rumors suggest that the sister of a southern DPP councilor holding a central party position may have gone missing in mainland China.

Hsieh criticized the MAC for covering up incidents involving DPP figures while amplifying others. He questioned whether the MAC had any information on the disappearance, noting widespread rumors in Tainan—some claiming the person was detained, others saying they simply lost contact or were involved in a criminal case.

Hsieh emphasized that cases involving DPP members should not be silenced while others are publicized.

At the MAC's regular press conference on July 30, chaired by David Lee, Hsieh revealed that a relative of a senior DPP official had gone missing in mainland China, possibly being held at the Shenzhen Luohu Detention Center. (Photo by Tsai Chin-chieh)

David Lee stated: 'We became aware of this case in early July and have been gathering information through appropriate channels. However, the family has not filed a formal appeal with the Straits Exchange Foundation or the MAC. From our perspective, we must respect the family’s wishes.'

He added: 'Legislator Hsieh sent an official inquiry naming the individual just two days ago. We have never received such a formal inquiry from a legislator before. Since the legislator is not a family member, we cannot disclose private information or details the family does not wish to share. Therefore, the accusation that we are covering up the case is unfounded. Our principle is to respect the family’s wishes. In many cases, families prefer to handle matters privately, and we respect that.'

When asked whether the individual was indeed the sister of a DPP city councilor, Lee responded: 'We cannot disclose personal information, but we are generally aware of the case.'

He explained that many families of individuals detained in mainland China feel fear due to the differences in legal systems. There is concern that if the Taiwan government intervenes, it could lead to harsher penalties or further persecution by Chinese authorities.

'In practice, many families do not want us to get involved. We cannot force our assistance. We must respect their decisions. We don’t want families to later complain that government intervention made things worse. That’s why we refrain from acting unilaterally,' Lee concluded.