Date: March 29, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 23
Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Ma Xiaoguang today (March 29, 2017) issued an explanation regarding missing Taiwan national Li Ming-che. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) solemnly stated that 11 days have passed since Mr. Li went missing on March 19. During this period, the government and private-sector organizations have continuously made demands to mainland China. However, the Mainland has not yet informed the Taiwan side or family members, nor has it specifically explained Mr. Li's case. The government expressed deep regrets over this.
The MAC stated that the Mainland should immediately and fully disclose publicly Mr. Li's place of detention, the applicable laws, the time of restriction of personal freedom, and other matters. It should also provide notification through mechanisms under the Agreement on Joint Cross-Strait Crime-Fighting and Mutual Judicial Assistance, as well as promptly arrange for family and lawyer visits to protect Mr. Li's due rights and interests. Furthermore, family members informed that Mr. Li suffers from hypertension and other ailments. The relevant departments in mainland China should provide Mr. Li with proper medical care to ensure his good health.
This case has attracted a high level of public attention in Taiwan. The MAC called on the Mainland to communicate with Taiwan on this case, appropriately handle related matters, promptly and specifically respond to the demands of Taiwan and family members, maintain Mr. Li Ming-che legitimate rights and interests, and avoid affecting cross-Strait relations at this complex and sensitive time.
The MAC stated that after learning that Mr. Li was reported missing in mainland China, the government contacted the Mainland through channels between the MAC and TAO and between the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, as well as mechanisms under the Agreement on Joint Cross-Strait Crime-Fighting and Mutual Judicial Assistance, and Taiwanese Businessmen's Associations in mainland China to assist with the search. Since the circumstances of Mr. Li's disappearance were unknown at the time, assistance gave priority to Mr. Li's personal safety, rights, and interests. During this period, relevant government departments remained in close contact and communication with Mr. Li, his family, and related private organizations. The MAC will continue to provide its full assistance in this case to help Mr. Li return safely to Taiwan at the earliest possible time.