Introduction: Taiwan Requests Immediate Release of I-Kuan Tao Members Arrested in China
On Friday evening, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued an official statement calling for the immediate release of three Taiwanese nationals arrested in Guangdong Province, China. The three individuals, members of the I-Kuan Tao (Yiguandao) religious group, were detained by Chinese authorities under allegations of “organizing and practicing as members of a cult.”
This request follows a confirmation from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) about the arrests, prompting Taiwan to demand the Chinese government uphold the legal rights and safety of the detainees and return them to Taiwan without delay.
Taiwan’s Stance on Religious Freedom and Safety of Nationals
The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that over the past year, Chinese authorities have illegally arrested and detained Taiwanese nationals, particularly those associated with religious organizations, on multiple occasions. Taiwan condemned the actions of Beijing, accusing China of attempting to interfere with Taiwanese citizens’ religious practices under the guise of “religious interaction.”
Taiwan officials warned citizens that China does not respect freedom of religion, advising those affiliated with religious groups to reconsider traveling to China. The MAC also voiced concerns over the Chinese government’s attempt to suppress religious groups that promote their beliefs and practices, such as I-Kuan Tao, which is a legal religious group with millions of followers in Taiwan.
Details of the Arrests and Taiwanese Response
The three Taiwanese individuals arrested in Guangdong Province have been identified by their last names: Chou (周), Chiang (江), and Hsieh (謝). According to the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), they were detained under suspicion of being part of a cult that undermines law enforcement in China.
In response, Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which is responsible for managing cross-strait relations, issued a statement highlighting the legality of the I-Kuan Tao religious group in Taiwan. The SEF called on the Chinese authorities to respect religious freedom and ensure the safety of the detainees, urging their immediate release.
Luo Wen-jia (羅文嘉), the Secretary-General of the SEF, stated that the three individuals were arrested in October 2024 while they were participating in a religious gathering in China. The SEF clarified that the detainees were not involved in any political activities and emphasized that religion should not be a reason for arrest.
Strained Cross-Strait Relations Over Religious Freedom
Taiwan’s MAC has previously criticized China for using religious freedom as a tool to control and suppress Taiwanese citizens, especially those with religious affiliations. The government’s call for the release of the detained Taiwanese nationals reflects the growing tensions between the two sides, particularly regarding issues related to cross-strait relations.
The Taiwan Affairs Office has yet to provide any further details or respond to Taiwan’s official requests regarding the detained individuals. Despite multiple inquiries, Taiwan has received little information from China, leaving families and the government deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the detained members.
Table: Key Details of the Arrest Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individuals | Chou (周), Chiang (江), Hsieh (謝) |
| Religious Affiliation | I-Kuan Tao (Yiguandao) |
| Location of Arrest | Guangdong Province, China |
| Date of Arrest | October 2024 |
| Charges | Suspected involvement in a cult that undermines law enforcement |
| Taiwan’s Request | Immediate release of detainees, protection of legal rights |
| Taiwan’s Stance | I-Kuan Tao is a legal religion in Taiwan, the Chinese government should respect religious freedom |
FAQs:
1. Why were three Taiwanese nationals arrested in China?
The three individuals were arrested by Chinese authorities in Guangdong Province on suspicion of organizing and practicing as members of a cult. They are affiliated with the I-Kuan Tao religious group.
2. What is the Taiwan government’s position on the arrests?
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has called for the immediate release of the detainees and requested that Chinese authorities respect their legal rights and freedom of religion. Taiwan has raised concerns about the growing repression of Taiwanese religious groups in China.
3. What is I-Kuan Tao, and why is it significant?
I-Kuan Tao (Yiguandao) is a legal religion in Taiwan with millions of followers. Taiwan views it as a legitimate religious group, while China has accused it of being part of a “cult”, which has led to increasing scrutiny of its members by Chinese authorities.
4. Has Taiwan received any response from China regarding the arrests?
Taiwan has received little information from China despite multiple inquiries regarding the detained individuals. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) continues to advocate for the detainees’ release and safety.
5. How can Taiwan citizens safeguard their religious practices when traveling to China?
Taiwan urges its citizens, particularly those affiliated with religious groups, to reconsider traveling to China due to the lack of religious freedom and the risk of illegal arrest.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Religious Freedom
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has demanded the immediate release of the three Taiwanese nationals detained in China, urging Chinese authorities to respect their legal rights and religious freedom. The government’s stance reflects growing concerns over China’s treatment of Taiwanese religious groups, particularly those practicing I-Kuan Tao, and its continued repression of religious expression.
