Taipei: Taiwan will strengthen protection of its nationals following China's implementation of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced on Wednesday. The law, which seeks to promote Chinese ethnic unity, is viewed by Taiwan as a threat to its sovereignty and has prompted the Taiwanese government to take decisive action to safeguard its citizens.
According to Focus Taiwan, Premier Cho stated that the new law encompasses all of Taiwan's 23 million residents and is part of China's broader unification agenda. Cho urged the public to monitor political parties' responses to the law, noting which parties endorse or remain silent about it. Although specific measures were not detailed, Cho emphasized the government's commitment to redoubling efforts to protect its citizens against potential repercussions.
The law, passed by China's National People's Congress in March, mandates Chinese citizens to uphold national unification and aims to foster a sense of belonging among Taiwan's population as part of the Chinese nation. It holds accountable any individual or organization, domestically or internationally, that undermines ethnic unity or fosters division.
In a related development, Deputy Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Shen Yu-chung advised Taiwanese citizens to avoid travel to China, Hong Kong, and Macau unless absolutely necessary. This advisory followed a query from Legislator Lin Chu-yin regarding the MAC's protective measures against the law's possible impacts on civilians and public servants.
Shen assured that the MAC is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and consulting foreign embassies and representative offices to assess which countries maintain judicial assistance agreements with China. Travel advisories will be issued as needed, he added, highlighting the recent reports of 13 Taiwanese citizens missing or restricted in China.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo and Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi also addressed preparations for personnel stationed overseas. They confirmed that overseas personnel receive anti-espionage training, with plans to extend this training to Ministry of National Defense think tank staff. MOFA intends to enhance traveler safety warnings and consult with international partners to secure its personnel's safety.