Infographic: How Does CCP Police Interrogate Views on 'Cross-Strait Unification'? Lien Wen-chieh Reveals Former Military Hospital Nurse Questioned in Tibet: PRC Infiltration into Taiwan Is Omnipresent

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Vice Chairperson Lien Wen-chieh disclosed on September 24 that four additional cases have emerged of Taiwanese civil servants being interrogated by Chinese public security personnel during visits to mainland China. Inquiries covered topics such as views on cross-strait unification, political stance, and Taiwan independence. Notably, one case involved a nurse who previously worked at a military hospital and was questioned by Chinese police while traveling in Tibet. The interrogation included detailed inquiries about branch locations, wards, hospital director addresses, head nurse names and military ranks, and the ranks of military personnel and physicians receiving treatment.

Lien stated, 'This is the first time a former military hospital nurse has been questioned. The Chinese Communist Party’s infiltration into Taiwan is truly omnipresent.'

During the regular press conference on the 24th, Lien said, 'Recently, we have received several reports of civil servants being questioned or interrogated during visits to mainland China.'

Four Newly Disclosed Cases of Interrogation During Visits to China (Source: MAC Vice Chairperson Lien Wen-chieh, September 24, 2026)

Case 1: Two criminal investigation bureau officers visited Harbin and other areas in July 2026 for tourism. For three consecutive nights, Chinese personnel visited their hotel and conducted interrogations focusing on cross-strait unification, police work, political stance, and views on Taiwan independence.

Case 2: A Ministry of Finance tax agency civil servant was interrogated by Chinese public security or state security personnel during a trip to Beijing and Tianjin in July 2026.

Case 3: Another Ministry of Finance tax agency civil servant was specifically questioned by Chinese state security personnel during a trip to Tibet and Sichuan in August 2026.

Case 4: A nurse employed at a hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare was questioned by Chinese public security personnel in Tibet in August 2026. The reason given was her prior employment at a military hospital. She was asked detailed questions about branch locations, wards, hospital director addresses, head nurse names and ranks, and the ranks of military patients and physicians. This case is particularly significant, as while active-duty military and police personnel have often been questioned in the past, this is the first known case involving a former military hospital nurse.

Lien emphasized, 'We once again remind all government agencies to strictly review applications by staff for visits to mainland China, even for non-official purposes, and to provide thorough risk warnings before approval to safeguard national security and institutional confidentiality.'

He further urged, 'When visiting mainland China, civil servants must never disclose organizational information about their agencies, especially personal data of colleagues or superiors. If any unusual situations occur during their stay, they must report honestly and promptly upon return, as required by regulations.'

Media Q&A:

Q: This is the first time a nurse has been questioned. What does the MAC assess as the likely intent?

A: The CCP is interested in every organization and department within Taiwan’s military. This interrogation clearly aims to understand the operations of Taiwan’s military hospitals. Notably, this nurse worked at a military hospital years ago and has long since transferred to another unit, currently working at a hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare. That she was still questioned shows the CCP’s infiltration into Taiwan is truly omnipresent.

Q: If someone has already been questioned or coerced into disclosing information in China, how should they respond or mitigate the situation?

A: We urge anyone who has experienced this to report honestly and promptly upon return, regardless of what they said at the time. Honest reporting can at least help avoid future liability. We reiterate: civil servants should avoid going to mainland China unless absolutely necessary. The number of cases we are receiving is already too high. If there’s no real need, don’t go.