Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has called on Chinese authorities to immediately release three Taiwanese members of the I-Kuan Tao (Yiguandao) religious group who were arrested in Guangdong, China, Central News Agency (CNA) reported.
Details of the Arrest
- China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed the detention of the three individuals, identified by their last names Chou, Chiang, and Hsieh.
- The individuals were arrested on suspicion of “organizing and practicing as members of a cult that undermines law enforcement.”
- The arrests reportedly occurred in October this year.
Taiwan’s Response
- Mainland Affairs Council (MAC):
- Demanded Chinese authorities to protect the legal rights and safety of the three detained Taiwanese nationals.
- Accused China of illegally arresting and punishing Taiwanese religious visitors multiple times over the past year.
- Warned Taiwanese citizens, particularly religious group members, about traveling to China, emphasizing that China lacks religious freedom.“China tries to infiltrate Taiwan under the guise of religious interaction but suppresses Taiwanese religious groups from promoting their faith in China.”
- Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF):
- SEF, a semi-official body handling cross-strait matters, reiterated that I-Kuan Tao is a legal religion with millions of followers in Taiwan.
- Urged China to:
- Respect religious freedom.
- Ensure the safety of the detained individuals.
- Release them promptly.
- SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia emphasized that the detained individuals had no political involvement and had hired legal counsel to represent them.
Context of the Crackdown
Taiwan has increasingly accused China of suppressing religious activities under accusations of “cult activities” and attempting to exert control over cross-strait exchanges.
- I-Kuan Tao (Yiguandao): A spiritual and religious movement that originated in China but has millions of legal followers in Taiwan today.
- China’s authorities often crack down on groups they consider “cult organizations”, particularly religious groups outside state control.
Key Points of Contention
- Taiwan stresses freedom of religion and sees China’s actions as a violation of basic rights.
- The arrests raise cross-strait tensions, with Taiwan accusing China of politically motivated suppression under the guise of law enforcement.
- MAC’s Warning: Taiwanese citizens and religious groups have been advised to reconsider traveling to China due to the lack of legal protections and religious freedoms.
Ongoing Situation
- SEF has yet to receive detailed information from Chinese authorities regarding the situation.
- Taiwan’s government continues to push for the release of the three detained individuals through diplomatic channels.
This incident further underscores the worsening relations between Taiwan and China, particularly concerning issues of human rights and religious freedom.