TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A senior management executive of Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Group has been blocked from leaving China.
The Taiwanese executive was interrogated upon entry into Shanghai on Sept. 1. He was released but asked to return and then subjected to border control, per CNA. For the last 18 days, the individual has been unable to return to Taiwan.
Formosa Plastics Group, one of the largest private enterprises in Taiwan, has not commented on the case. The reason for the executive’s detainment is still unknown.
In a Wednesday (Sept. 18) statement, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said the government obtained relevant information regarding the Formosa Plastics Group executive. It said to respect the privacy and wishes of the family, it will not disclose further details to the public.
The case heightened concerns about Taiwanese conducting business in China. The MAC has repeatedly warned citizens to assess the risks before traveling to China.
It added that Taiwanese who engaged in “academic, economic, cultural, religious, or visiting relatives and friends and other exchange activities" have also been subject to questioning and restrictions by the Chinese government without explanation.