Taiwan's National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen has warned that China's newly enforced Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law could expose Taiwanese travellers to heightened surveillance and legal risks due to its broad and ambiguous provisions. Addressing the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee, Tsai said the law, which came into force last week, grants Chinese authorities extensive powers by leaving undefined what constitutes actions that 'undermine ethnic unity.'
Vague Language Sparks Concern
Tsai cautioned that the vague language allows Beijing considerable discretion in interpreting and enforcing the legislation. He argued that the measure reinforces the Chinese Communist Party's nationalist agenda and is designed to strengthen political control within China while expanding pressure beyond its borders. The legislation also serves Beijing's long-term objective of countering support for Taiwan's independence and advancing its unification agenda, according to The Taipei Times.
Lawmakers Seek Clarification
The remarks came in response to questions from Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers Chen Chun-yu and Lin Chu-yin, who sought clarification on the implications of the law for Taiwanese travelling to China. Tsai described the legislation as a form of transnational repression that extends China's coercive reach outside its territory, adding that the law has drawn criticism from the international community. He noted that the European Parliament earlier this year adopted a resolution urging member states to suspend extradition agreements with China.
Advice to Taiwanese Citizens
While reaffirming that Taiwan would resist attempts by Beijing to use the legislation as a political tool against the island, Tsai advised Taiwanese citizens to exercise extreme caution when visiting China, warning that authorities possess broad powers to interpret the law. He also pointed to China's 2024 state security enforcement regulations, which permit security personnel to question individuals, conduct detentions, and inspect electronic devices belonging to both Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.
