TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) warned Tuesday that Taiwanese travelers to China could face expanded surveillance under a new law that broadly defines conduct deemed harmful to ethnic unity.
Tsai said China's ethnic unity law, which took effect July 1, reflects Beijing's use of legal tools to strengthen domestic control and expand pressure overseas, per Liberty Times. He said the law's vague definition of actions that "undermine ethnic unity" gives authorities broad room for interpretation in China.
Speaking at the legislature, Tsai said the law uses nationalism as a framework for China's current domestic, foreign, and Taiwan policies. He said the legislation could create a chilling effect and represent a form of cross-border coercion that has drawn international concern.
Tsai said Taiwan would not allow Beijing to use the law to pressure Taiwanese, but urged people traveling to China to remain aware of potential risks, Liberty Times reported. China issued the Provisions on Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures for State Security Organs in 2024, granting security personnel authority to conduct checks on citizens and foreign visitors, seize items, and inspect electronic devices.
Tsai said China has built a digital surveillance network through systems such as its "Skynet" and "Sharp Eyes" programs, per CNA. He said the system can track people's movements using biometric data collected at airports, hotel records, mobile phone locations, and transportation ticket purchases.
He added that China has also introduced more advanced surveillance technologies beyond facial recognition, incorporating gait and behavioral patterns into its intelligent monitoring networks. He warned that Taiwanese visiting China could potentially be placed under a state-level surveillance system if Chinese authorities apply domestic laws against them.
