March 23, 2018
In regard to the planned trip by Ms. Li Ching-yu to Hunan in mainland China March 26 to visit Mr. Lee Ming-che, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that nearly four months have passed since Mr. Li Ming-che was sentenced in mainland China on November 28 last year. During this time, the government has repeatedly assisted Mr. Li's family in contacting and communicating with the Mainland on matters related to travel to the Mainland for family visits. Recently, the Mainland finally consented to the family visit. Ms. Li Ching-yu plans to fly from Taoyuan International Airport to Changsha Airport on the morning of March 26. The MAC has requested that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) assign personnel to accompany Ms. Li throughout her itinerary in the Mainland.
After the family members arrive in Changsha, the Changsha Taiwanese Businessmen Association and Mainland personnel will help them to arrange a single entry and exit certificate at the airport. The government has asked the association to make appropriate transportation, reception, accommodation, and other arrangements for the Mainland visit. It has also contacted the Mainland through the existing official cross-Strait channels to ensure that Ms. Li's visit with Mr. Li Ming-che at Chishan Prison goes smoothly, as well as to request assurances of the personal safety and convenience of Ms. Li and SEF personnel while in the Mainland and their safe return to Taiwan.
This case has received a great deal of public attention. The Mainland law grants family members the legal right to visitations. The MAC again called on the Mainland to help the family regularly visit Li Ming-che and to promptly release Mr. Li Ming-che and allow him to return safely to Taiwan.