TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council on Tuesday said that 221 Taiwanese went missing, were detained, or had their personal freedom restricted in China in 2025, compared to 55 in 2024.
The council said the rights and safety of Taiwanese are paramount in cross-strait tourism, per Liberty Times. While the government continues to show goodwill toward China, it will not compromise on the rights and safety of the Taiwanese.
It said that in the past, when Taiwanese tourists in China encountered emergencies or travel disputes, they could seek assistance through the two tourism associations. However, Beijing unilaterally severed contact between the two nations, making it impossible to safeguard the quality and safety of Taiwanese tourists traveling to China.
This increased the risks associated with traveling to the country. Reopening group tours without a proper communication mechanism effectively leaves Taiwanese with no one to turn to for help if they face emergencies or travel disputes in China, the council said.
"The government's stance of welcoming Chinese tourists to Taiwan remains unchanged," the council said. The government has opened travel for Chinese tourists via third countries and to Kinmen and Matsu.
Chinese tourists need a travel permit issued by China to come to Taiwan. The council said China refuses to issue the permit or allow its citizens to enter Taiwan, yet falsely blames it for blocking tourists.
The council said that if China is sincere about restoring cross-strait tourism, it should respond positively to the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association.
