Taiwan warning to the citizens against travelling today, urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, marked by national security concerns and possible restrictions on Taiwanese people living in China.
Leung Wen-Chieh, spokesman and vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, made the recommendation at a press conference on Thursday amid growing threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and could annex it by force if necessary.
Reasons for the Advisory
China’s recent large-scale military exercises near Taiwan have raised concerns about a possible escalation of tensions. The warning alerts Taiwanese citizens to the dangers of entering a military conflict zone. The Taiwanese government has expressed concern about the safety of its citizens in China. The concerns stem from recent cases in which Taiwanese citizens have been arbitrarily detained and interrogated in China on suspicion of espionage.
The Taiwanese government’s tightening grip on Hong Kong and Macau, restricting freedom of expression and assembly, has added to Taiwan’s concerns. The warning states that these restrictions may also affect Taiwanese nationals visiting these areas.
China continues to maintain strict COVID-19 prevention protocols, including mandatory quarantines and travel restrictions. These measures may be disruptive and create logistical challenges for Taiwanese travelers.
The advisory does not impose a complete travel ban, but it strongly discourages non-essential travel. Taiwanese citizens with existing business or family ties in China, Hong Kong, or Macao are advised to exercise extreme caution, register with the Taiwanese government offices in those locations, and closely monitor the developing situation.
Taiwan-China Relations: A Historical Context
The relationship between Taiwan and China has been complex and often tense. There have been periods of relative stability and economic cooperation, punctuated by flare-ups in tensions. The recent rise of Chinese nationalism and assertiveness under President Xi Jinping has led to a significant deterioration in cross-strait relations.
Don’t Travel to China: Taiwan Warns Citizens After Execution Threat https://t.co/yhnFGObjO3 pic.twitter.com/1N0UnanKOn
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Taiwan and China have been governed separately since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The island of Taiwan has maintained a de facto independent government, although it is not officially recognized by most countries, including the United States. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and opposes any moves towards formal Taiwanese independence.
The United States, which maintains strong unofficial ties with Taiwan, has expressed concern about China’s growing military activity near Taiwan. The US has also reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act.
World Reacts to Taiwan’s Travel Advisory
The US expressed support for Taiwan’s right to issue travel advisories for its citizens. The State Department reiterated its concerns about China’s military activities near Taiwan and called for peaceful resolution of cross-strait tensions.
Southeast Asian nations, wary of taking sides in the US-China rivalry, expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the issue. The EU echoed the US sentiment, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue.
Japan, a close ally of both the US and Taiwan, expressed concern about the situation and called for stability in the region. China denounced the advisory as a “political ploy” by Taiwan and a provocation aimed at undermining China’s territorial integrity. China reiterated its commitment to “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan but reserved the right to use force if necessary.
Statements from Authorities on Taiwan Travel Advisory
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “The so-called travel warning issued by the Taiwan authorities is a blatant political manipulation and a serious provocation. It deliberately distorts the reality of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and undermines China’s territorial integrity.
We urge Taiwan to abandon this dangerous path and return to the ‘One China’ principle. China remains committed to peaceful reunification but will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty.“
State Department spokesman Ned Price said: “The United States is aware of Taiwan’s travel warning issued to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
We understand Taiwan’s concerns about the safety of its people and the recent military exercises conducted by China near Taiwan. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, keep the channels of communication open, and work towards a peaceful resolution of cross-strait tensions.“
