Taiwan Warns Citizens of Risks in Countries with Strong Ties to China
China’s Campaign Against Taiwan Independence
In June, Beijing issued guidelines instructing China’s courts, prosecutors, and state security agents to "severely punish Taiwan independence diehards" for what it called "secession." The instruction was given during a two-day meeting led by Wang Huning, part of the Communist Party’s elite politburo standing committee and one of President Xi Jinping’s closest advisors.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s government is considering warning its citizens about the risks of traveling to countries with strong ties to China, including Laos and Cambodia, due to the potential for being caught up in Beijing’s campaign against Taiwan independence supporters. A senior Taiwan official and an internal memo revealed that Taiwan is assessing the situation and considering raising the alert level for travel to certain countries.
China’s Pressure on Taiwan
China has been increasing pressure on Taiwan in recent years, including military actions, trade sanctions, and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China. Taiwan has concluded that some countries, including some in Southeast Asia, have declined to cooperate with China’s request.
Meeting Details
The June meeting, which began on February 25, was held with Beijing’s embassies and overseas police stations in countries with "a high degree of trust" with China, and instructed them to implement the guidelines by targeting Taiwanese tourists, students, and residents. China’s government has denied maintaining overseas police stations, but has said there are volunteer-run centers outside China that help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services.
Travel Warnings
Taiwan’s foreign ministry currently has its second-highest "orange" travel alert for both Cambodia and Laos, advising citizens not to go unless absolutely necessary due to scam centers which detain and traffic Chinese speakers to work in them.
Conclusion
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing’s efforts to curb Taiwan’s independence movement. As Taiwan’s government weighs the risks of traveling to countries with strong ties to China, it is crucial for citizens to be aware of the potential consequences of Beijing’s campaign against Taiwan independence supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the countries with strong ties to China that Taiwan is warning its citizens about?
A: Laos and Cambodia are among the countries with strong ties to China that Taiwan is warning its citizens about.
Q: What is the purpose of China’s guidelines on punishing Taiwan independence diehards?
A: The guidelines aim to punish individuals who support Taiwan independence, which Beijing views as "secession."
Q: How has Taiwan responded to China’s pressure?
A: Taiwan has been increasing security measures, including military actions, trade sanctions, and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China.
Q: What is the current travel alert level for Cambodia and Laos?
A: Taiwan’s foreign ministry currently has its second-highest "orange" travel alert for both Cambodia and Laos, advising citizens not to go unless absolutely necessary due to scam centers which detain and traffic Chinese speakers to work in them.