Multiple Taiwanese citizens participating in the Nanjing Art Book Fair were escorted from the event by Chinese police and strip-searched. They have since returned to Taiwan safely and relevant authorities are working to obtain a detailed account of the incident.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) informed the Legislature Friday morning that he has contacted the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for more information regarding the matter. Cho reminds the public to mind their personal safety when traveling to China, saying that, given the ambiguity of China’s laws and legal procedures, travelers are responsible for ensuring that their trips go smoothly.
In a separate incident, a Taiwanese citizen was detained while traveling as part of a tour group in China. MAC Chairman Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) added that this citizen has also returned to Taiwan. He said the MAC is investigating the reason for his detention, but urges the public to carefully weigh the necessity of visiting China against the risk of detention. Chiu said any Taiwanese citizens who must visit China should register with the MAC’s "Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Hong Kong and Macao" before departing.