TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwanese official on Sunday warned that China is using free and heavily subsidized summer tours for young Taiwanese to build influence networks ahead of local elections later this year.
The official, who is familiar with Chinese Communist Party united front operations, told Liberty Times that Beijing is targeting Taiwanese aged 16 to 45 through cultural and educational exchanges. The official said the programs aim to build relationships that could later be used for electoral influence.
One program, the Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, ran from Saturday to Monday. Participants in the target age range received free accommodation and activities and paid only airfare to Macau, while older participants paid 600 yuan (US$83), according to Liberty Times.
Other programs include an eight-day astronomy tour of Ningxia and Inner Mongolia organized by the Greater Bay Area Youth Development Association in Hong Kong. Participants under 29 pay only airfare, with lodging, transportation, and insurance provided.
China is also offering a six-day Xian cultural tour for Taiwanese aged 45 or younger. Participants only pay for travel to and from China, with full on-site accommodation and arrangements provided throughout the trip.
The official said Beijing regularly uses summer exchange programs and local recruiters to attract young Taiwanese as part of its united front strategy, Liberty Times reported. Participants are taken to tourist sites and designated exchange centers where they are exposed to pro-Beijing messaging.
The official urged the education ministry to strengthen courses on China and cross-strait affairs and discourage students and teachers from accepting hospitality linked to united front activities, per the report. Participants risk being used in Chinese state propaganda despite the trips being promoted as cultural exchanges.
The official also warned that participants are photographed and filmed throughout the trips, with material potentially used in propaganda campaigns, per the report. Attendees are often asked to join WeChat groups and install Chinese apps, creating channels for pro-Beijing messaging ahead of Taiwan’s local elections.
