TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (內政部) announced on Tuesday (Dec. 30) revised regulations for Taiwanese public servants traveling to mainland China. Effective from Thursday (Jan. 1), these changes will limit travel for family visits to within three degrees of kinship, down from four, due to increased security risks.
The ministry cited escalating United Front activities by the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a significant concern, leading to heightened personal safety risks for public servants in China. "Revise relevant regulations to enhance crisis awareness and safeguard national security," the ministry stated, emphasizing the need for increased crisis awareness and national security maintenance.
New rules will require senior officials at or above the 11th grade to apply for travel approval at least seven working days in advance. Without this approval, travel to mainland China will not be permitted. The ministry stressed that any anomalies or loss of contact during such trips must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities to enhance public servant safety.
The Ministry of the Interior urged all national public servants to apply for permission through their respective agencies before traveling to China. Additionally, they must register their travel details on the Mainland Affairs Council's (陸委會) "Cross-Strait Travel Registration System" to ensure smooth travel and personal safety. As these regulations come into effect, public servants must remain vigilant and comply with the new requirements to protect themselves and uphold national security.