Date: November 24, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 83
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the Yueyang Intermediate People's Court in mainland China will announce the sentence in the case of Li Ming-che on November 28. The MAC made an emergency contact with the Taiwan Affairs Office on November 24 regarding this matter. In addition, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) notified the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) to express hope that the Mainland would allow family members to hear the trial and promptly coordinate the relevant departments to allow the family to visit Li Ming-che out of humanitarian concern. The government has also planned for the SEF to send personnel to accompany the family members.
The MAC stated that 251 days have passed since Mr. Li Ming-che entered mainland China from Macao on March 19 and was taken into custody. The MAC believes that Mr. Li Ming-che exchanged views with friends in mainland China on democratic development in Taiwan out of concern for civil society and future development in mainland China. He did not endanger the security and stability of mainland China.
The MAC stressed that Li Ming-che's personal safety and freedom has attracted a high level of attention in Taiwan. The development of this case has also drawn broad attention at home and abroad. The Mainland's handling of this case is relevant to the development of cross-Strait relations and mainland China's international image. The MAC called on the Mainland to rationally handle the upcoming verdict in accordance with universal values and the trends of human rights, as well as to duly respond to the concerns and expectations of Mr. Li Ming-che's family and people from all walks of life in Taiwan.
The MAC indicated that the government's consistent position on the handling of this case has been to ensure Li Ming-che's safety under the premise of maintaining national dignity. The government will spare no effort to enable Mr. Li's safe and prompt return to Taiwan and continue to cooperate closely with the family and other parties to achieve this goal at the earliest possible time.