Date: May 27, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 37
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) again solemnly protested and expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of a clear response since the start of the incident, from the relevant departments in mainland China to Taiwan's demands that they promptly announce the specific evidence in this case, promptly agree to allow family visits, and promptly make notification according to the Cross-Strait Agreement on Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance.
The MAC stressed that, according the relevant provisions on arrest and detention in mainland China, the family of Li Ming-che has the right to request visits. Under the agreement, the relevant departments in mainland China are obligated to provide conveniences. The government will continue, through channels between the MAC and Taiwan Affairs Office, the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, and cross-strait agreements, to convey information and demand that the Mainland promptly agree to arrange family visits. This is the family's due right and basic humanitarian care.
The MAC reiterated that both sides should give the highest priority to handling incidents involving people's basic rights and personal safety. Mainland China should give due process protection to the involved parties in its handling of the case of Li Ming-che and agree to family visits based on humanitarian considerations and consistent with universal human rights values. The international community is united in concern over the human rights situation in the Mainland and the case of Li Ming-che. The MAC again calls on the Mainland to treat this case seriously. The case will gravely affect the Taiwan people's perception and assessment of the Mainland. The Mainland should protect the legitimate rights and interests of Mr. Li Ming-che and allow him to safely return to Taiwan as soon as possible.