Is It Dangerous for Civil Servants to Visit Mainland China? Which Positions Require Reporting? Details of Chinese Interrogations Revealed — Critic Slams Mainland Affairs Council for One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Amid rising cross-strait tensions, the Taipei City Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on species exchange with Shanghai in 2024, sparking political controversy after two red pandas were unveiled. Meanwhile, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) revealed new cases of Taiwanese civil servants being interrogated during visits to mainland China, advising public employees to 'avoid unnecessary travel.' MAC Vice Chairperson and Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh warned that even low-ranking officials should not assume they are safe, as Chinese authorities show interest in information about all Taiwanese civil servants.

However, Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Weng Hsiao-ling criticized the MAC on Facebook for tightening restrictions on public and educational personnel traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, calling the measures excessive and unreasonable. She pointed out that current rules require all civil servants—regardless of rank, job type, purpose of travel (official or personal), or whether they are merely transiting through airports like Hong Kong—to submit prior applications and post-travel reports. Failure to comply could result in administrative penalties. Weng argued this policy exceeds the legal authority granted under the Cross-Strait Relations Act, which exempts lower-ranking civil servants (below Rank 10 or Police Inspector Grade 4) not involved in national security from such restrictions.

She cited examples such as needing to report even when transiting through Hong Kong on a budget flight, calling it a serious infringement on civil servants’ privacy and freedom of movement. Weng criticized the MAC’s repeated warnings that travel to China is highly risky, calling the approach 'feudal' and 'paternalistic,' and questioned whether the council truly believes civil servants cannot assess risks themselves. 'Are we treating public servants like delicate greenhouse flowers?' she asked. She further challenged whether the MAC or SEF could actually assist if someone were detained in China, especially given the suspension of cross-strait judicial cooperation and agreements. 'Instead of improving relations, the MAC only resorts to blockage tactics that make life harder for our own people. Such a council is better off abolished.'

Currently, the travel advisory for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau is at 'Orange' (avoid non-essential travel). At a press conference on the 30th, Liang Wen-chieh revealed that a civil servant who visited Fujian in June was questioned three times by Chinese state security officers upon return, with inquiries into their job duties and a thorough inspection of their mobile phone. Liang emphasized that no civil servant should assume they are too low-level to be targeted, as Beijing collects information on all Taiwanese public officials. He also criticized China’s demand that Taiwan accept the 'One China Principle'—that 'Taiwan is an inalienable part of China'—as a prerequisite for resuming cross-strait agreements, stating, 'This is not Taiwan’s problem.'

Regarding reports that a relative of a DPP councilor was detained in Shenzhen’s Luohu Detention Center, Liang said the MAC became aware of the case in early July but refrained from official intervention out of concern it might worsen the individual’s treatment.

KMT legislator Hsieh Lung-chieh also raised concerns in the Interior Committee, citing local rumors in Tainan that a relative of a DPP cadre had gone missing in China, with some reports suggesting detention in Shenzhen. Liang responded that the MAC is aware of the case but has not received a formal request from the individual or family. He stressed that the MAC and SEF will assist where possible, but respect the family’s wishes if they fear government involvement could lead to harsher treatment.

Weng further argued that the MAC’s blanket policy increases administrative burdens and hinders normal exchanges and tourism. She called for a more rational and legally grounded approach, warning that continued obstruction without efforts to improve cross-strait relations only harms ordinary citizens.

Related reports include: ten recent cases of missing Taiwanese nationals, a judge questioned by Chinese police about political matters, and scholars offering three key warnings for those traveling to China.