TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – An attempt by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) to restrict China travel by lawmakers and city and county councilors failed Tuesday (April 23).

The move was believed to be aimed at plans by Kuomintang (KMT) caucus convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) to lead a delegation to Beijing April 25-28. He was believed to have canceled his trip after the latest earthquakes in his home region of Hualien. 

Leading members of the KMT have recently stepped up their visits to China, with former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Vice Chair Andrew Hsia (夏立言) both traveling there on separate occasions.

Shen said national security restrictions on elected politicians visiting China should also include members of city councils, county councils, and the Legislative Yuan. The travelers should report the nature of their meetings when in China and the contents of their conversations with Chinese officials, per CNA.

He said the restrictions should be valid for all officials and politicians who came into contact with confidential and sensitive information.

However, the Procedure Committee approved a KMT motion to put Shen’s proposal aside for the time being by 10 to eight votes. Critics said the DPP lawmaker’s view was too narrow, as meetings by lawmakers in other countries could also affect national security.