The Ministry of the Interior launched a new system yesterday for tour groups visiting China to voluntarily register their travel dates, itinerary and purpose for safety reasons.
The system “Open Platform on Visit Exchange Programs in China” for religious groups and other organizations (宗教等團體赴中國交流資訊公開專區) was launched on https://twexchange.moi.gov.tw/.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
The ministry encourages organizations to register their information on this platform when traveling to China, but it is not mandatory, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said today.
If tour groups register their trip, it would help ensure the safety of group members and inform the public when and where such trips are occurring, Liu said.
This information registration system is primarily for organizations such as religious groups, business associations, private sectors and civil societies, not individuals, she said.
There are no plans for the registration to become mandatory, she said, explaining that matters covered by existing laws would be handled accordingly, while issues like this that are not legally required would be encouraged.
Liu emphasized that personal privacy and data would be protected in accordance with the law.
As for whether the system would monitor “united front” activities by China, Liu said that any such matters will be handled in accordance with Taiwanese law.
If there is any involvement in “united front” efforts, including violations of the National Security Act (國家安全法) or Anti-Infiltration Act (反滲透法), they would be investigated and dealt with based on facts, she said.
Asked whether this platform is intended to restrict cross-strait exchanges, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said today that as long as these exchanges are based on mutual respect, comply with regulations, and are sustainable, then they would be viewed positively.
The ministry encourages groups to disclose their travel information through this system so that authorities can remind groups of related risks and ensure they return safely, Chiu said.
He expressed the council’s support for this measure.
Additional reporting by CNA
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