In a decisive move to strengthen national security and counter potential political infiltration, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is set to introduce stricter travel regulations for civil servants visiting China, Hong Kong, and Macau, according to a report by the Taipei Times.
The new policy, currently under inter-agency review, aims to close existing regulatory loopholes and standardize the approval process for all levels of government employees, not just senior officials. At present, only those holding a rank of 11 or above are required to seek formal permission from the Ministry of the Interior for travel to Chinese territories. Lower-ranking civil servants have largely been able to travel by simply applying for leave within their own agencies.
A Push for Comprehensive Oversight
MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng highlighted the urgent need for reform, citing gaps in current oversight mechanisms:
“Some individuals may not be strictly following the rules,” Chiu noted. “We must address the rising risks of infiltration and ensure Taiwan’s governance is not compromised.”
The new rules would include the formation of a joint review committee responsible for vetting travel requests based on itinerary, purpose, and security risk assessments. The National Immigration Agency and other security bodies will also contribute to evaluating applications, especially in sensitive sectors.
Context: Heightened Security Risks
Taiwan’s move comes amid growing fears of Chinese espionage, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks. These concerns have intensified over recent years as Beijing continues its pressure campaign against the self-governed island.
Officials have cited multiple incidents that suggest a pattern of influence operations targeting civil servants and academics, raising alarm over the potential for data breaches, recruitment by Chinese intelligence, and other security vulnerabilities.
“This is not about limiting freedom,” Chiu clarified. “It’s about protecting the democratic integrity of Taiwan’s institutions.”
Key Reforms Underway
The proposed changes include:
- Mandatory pre-approval for all civil servants—regardless of rank—before visiting China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
- A joint review committee comprising security and immigration officials to assess each request.
- Enhanced inter-agency coordination to streamline risk evaluations and enforce compliance.
These reforms align with broader efforts by Taipei to fortify internal resilience amid escalating cross-Strait tensions.
Implementation and Outlook
The MAC is working closely with relevant departments to finalize the policy framework, which is expected to be rolled out once inter-agency consensus is achieved. Taiwan’s leadership insists that the new approach will maintain a balance between transparency, civil liberties, and national security.
With Beijing’s pressure showing no signs of abating, Taipei’s latest move signals a firmer stance on insulating government operations from external manipulation.
“We are a democratic society, but that also means being vigilant,” Chiu concluded. “These changes are necessary for the times we live in.”