The Legislature has approved a declaration condemning Beijing’s seizure of Taiwanese nationals abroad.
China has forcibly taken 45 Taiwanese nationals from Kenya in two separate incidents on April 8 and April 12. The Taiwanese had been arrested in Kenya on charges of involvement in a phone fraud ring.
On Friday, lawmakers from both major parties condemned the move. The Legislature’s declaration calls for the immediate dispatch of a government official to China to visit the Taiwanese nationals being held there. It also demands their immediate release, and calls on Beijing to avoid making similar moves in the future.
Legislature President Su Jia-chyuan read out the statement, said that the government has the responsibility of protecting the rights and safety of Taiwanese people. Su said that Taiwanese suspected of crimes overseas should be repatriated to Taiwan for trial. He also said that disputes over jurisdiction should be resolved through negotiations and in accordance with the principals of international law.
But Su said that Beijing’s seizure of the 45 Taiwanese nationals is a severe violation of their human rights. He said that China are ignoring a consensus on resolving similar cases that both sides had honored since 2011. Su said the move with add to the Taiwanese public’s negative perception of China.
The government also responded Friday to reports that Malaysia may deport 52 Taiwanese nationals also suspected of telecom fraud to China. The Cabinet says that the foreign ministry, the Mainland Affairs Council, and the justice ministry are holding discussions with Malaysia and China to stop the deportation process.