Date: September 11, 2019
MAC Press Release No. 82
In regards to Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang’s statement today (September 11, 2019) that Taiwan national Lee Meng-chu is under legal investigation for "allegedly engaged in illegal activities that endanger state security", the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) solemnly stated the following:
Mr. Lee has been missing for 22 days since entering Shenzhen, a city of the Guangdong Province, on August 19. During this time, various relevant government agencies in Taiwan have thrice requested information from the Chinese authorities. However, it is to our deepest regret that the Mainland has failed to inform the Taiwan side or Mr. Lee's family of the detention, and has yet provided full account of the matter in which Mr. Lee was involved.
The Mainland should immediately provide a full explanation of Mr. Lee Meng-chu's whereabouts, the law he allegedly violated, and how long he has been detained. In fact, in accordance with the Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance Agreement, the Mainland is obliged to inform the Taiwan side and Mr. Lee's family of the detention, promptly arrange Mr. Lee's family to visit him on the Mainland, and grant Mr. Lee the right to counsel to protect his due judicial rights.
Protection of personal freedom and safety is a universal value. Taiwan solemnly calls on the Mainland to properly handle this case, which concerns mainland China's protection of the personal freedom and safety of Taiwan nationals on the Mainland, as both the people of Taiwan and the international community are paying close attention to this matter.
Last but not least, after learning that Mr. Lee Meng-chu went missing on the mainland, the government has immediately liaised with relevant parties and assisted with the search through various channels. The government gives first priority to Mr. Lee's personal safety and rights in its assistance with the handling of this matter. As relevant government agencies continue to maintain close contact with Mr. Lee's family, this government will also provide its full assistance to ensure Mr. Lee Meng-chu's return to Taiwan at the earliest possible time.