TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海基會) on Wednesday (Dec. 4) stated that three Taiwanese I-Kuan Tao (一貫道) followers were detained in China, igniting concerns over religious freedom and safety. SEF Secretary-general Lo Wen-jia (羅文嘉) confirmed that the foundation has sought assistance from China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS, 海協會) but has yet to receive a response.
Lo stated that Chinese public security officers arrested the individuals, all in their 70s, during a raid around Oct. 10. Family members of the detained have reached out to SEF for help. Lo explained that the SEF contacted the Chinese side through the cross-strait agreement window but has yet to receive a reply, adding that the foundation is exploring other channels to ascertain the detainees' conditions while providing legal support to their families.
Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會), highlighted the lack of religious freedom in China and the increasing risks for Taiwanese citizens due to recent national security laws. Chiu warned that the current travel advisory is set at an orange level, underscoring the heightened caution required for travel to China. He also noted that despite sending 3,179 letters to Chinese authorities last year, most went unanswered, yet MAC remains committed to providing valuable information to ensure understanding.
