June 24, 2016
MAC Press Release No. 42
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that it was informed by the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Mainland has proposed deporting Taiwanese nationals involved in criminal cases to mainland China. The MAC promptly presented its position to the Mainland through the cross-Strait communication channel, explaining that the deportation of the suspects to mainland China is not conducive to positive cross-Strait interactions. The Taiwan side does not want such issues to repeatedly occur and called on both sides to properly solve related problems and effectively fight crime through ongoing positive communication and dialogue.
The MAC was notified by the Mainland today (June 24, 2016) that 25 Taiwanese nationals had been deported to mainland China. The MAC immediately expressed to the Mainland side that it deeply regrets and protests this action, saying the Mainland's move disregards two communications between the two sides following the Kenya and Malaysia cases. The move also ignores Taiwan's demand that Taiwanese suspects not be deported to mainland China prior to the cross-Strait agreement on handling principles. The MAC also demanded that the Mainland immediately make notification of personal safety restrictions after 25 Taiwanese nationals arrive in mainland China in accordance with the provisions of the Cross-Strait Agreement on Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance.
The MAC stressed that, in the handling of cross-border telecommunications fraud cases, Taiwan has consistently advocated that the involved suspects should be returned to Taiwan to undergo investigation and trial according to law. Since taking office, the new administration has instructed that related authorities set up an inter-departmental platform and continue to convene meetings to develop related measures to effectively curb such cases of cross-border telecommunications fraud and protect the interests of the people.
The MAC stated that the government will also continue to negotiate with the Mainland on matters related to Taiwanese nationals involved in criminal cases who have been sent to mainland China. It hopes that those involved will be returned to Taiwan for trial according to law. The MAC also reiterated that the two sides should cherish the past cumulative results of consultations and cooperation in such cases, continue to carry out benign communication and dialogue, and properly solve related problems to effectively combat transnational telecommunications fraud and strengthen protection of the interests and well-being of the people on both sides.