The Chinese Communist Party is scheduled to hold the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen on June 18 and has invited representatives of Taiwanese political parties to attend. According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) plans to send a delegation led by Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung.
On June 4, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced that personnel from central government agencies and local governments would be prohibited from participating in related activities, reported CNA, Taiwan’s state news agency.
MAC spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh told a news briefing on Thursday that the measure was adopted in response to what the government views as Beijing’s efforts to influence Taiwan.
He described the Straits Forum as the Chinese Communist Party’s largest platform for so-called “united front” work directed toward Taiwan and said the government needed to respond accordingly.
MAC policy statement
In a statement issued on June 4, the Mainland Affairs Council described the Straits Forum as a platform used by Beijing for political influence operations toward Taiwan. The council said it sought to prevent the forum from being used to promote what it characterized as efforts to advance cross-strait integration and eventual unification.
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The first element of the government’s policy states:
1. No Straits Forum activities may be held in Taiwan
The MAC said that activities related to the Straits Forum may not be organized in Taiwan, nor may Taiwanese entities cooperate with mainland Chinese counterparts to host such events.
According to the council, the forum’s nature is political rather than purely cultural or academic. Therefore mainland Chinese organizers may not hold branch events, affiliated activities, or follow-up events in Taiwan.
Taiwanese local governments, organizations, associations, and private groups may not jointly organize Straits Forum-related events with mainland Chinese counterparts in Taiwan. No arrangements should create the practical effect of hosting Straits Forum activities on Taiwanese territory.
2. Ban on participation by central and local government personnel
The Mainland Affairs Council stated that personnel from Taiwan’s central government ministries, local governments, and their subordinate agencies are prohibited from participating in the Straits Forum or related activities in any capacity.
According to the policy, the restriction applies broadly to government employees and officials at both the national and local levels.
3. Ban on participation in activities promoting ‘one country, two systems’ or ‘democratic consultation’
The MAC further announced that government agencies, organizations, individuals, civic groups, and political parties may not participate in activities related to a “One Country, Two Systems Taiwan Proposal” or “democratic consultation” initiatives.
The council argued that such activities are linked to Beijing’s political framework for Taiwan and are incompatible with Taiwan’s constitutional and political system.
The statement added that if any participation is found to violate relevant laws, the competent authorities will handle the matter in accordance with legal procedures.
4. Reminder to comply with cross-strait laws and regulations
The MAC also urged Taiwanese citizens to comply with the legal requirements of Taiwan’s cross-strait regulations.
According to the council, the purpose of the reminder is to guard against what it describes as Chinese Communist Party influence and infiltration efforts that could undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic constitutional order.
The statement specifically cautioned citizens, organizations, and groups against signing agreements, memoranda of understanding, or similar documents directly with mainland Chinese counterparts without proper authorization.
Engaging in forms of cooperation that may violate Taiwanese law; forming alliances or cooperative arrangements that contravene relevant regulations; and accepting instructions, commissions, or financial support from mainland Chinese entities to conduct unlawful activities.
Taken together, the measures represent one of the strongest policy positions Taiwan’s government has adopted toward the Straits Forum. The Mainland Affairs Council framed the restrictions as a response to what it sees as Beijing’s use of cross-strait exchange activities to advance political objectives regarding Taiwan. Meanwhile, supporters of the forum generally characterize it as a platform for people-to-people and cross-strait exchanges.
5. Warning about personal safety risks when traveling to mainland China
The Mainland Affairs Council also urged Taiwanese citizens to carefully assess the risks of traveling to mainland China.
The statement noted that Beijing has continued to revise and expand its national security laws and has issued measures targeting what it describes as “die-hard Taiwan independence separatists.” The council further cited cases in which Taiwanese citizens traveling in China were allegedly detained, questioned, or subjected to restrictions on their freedom.
As a result, the MAC advised citizens to carefully evaluate whether travel to mainland China is necessary; Familiarize themselves with cross-strait travel guidelines and safety precautions; Remain aware of potential personal-security risks; and register through the MAC’s travel-registration system for citizens visiting mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau so that authorities can provide assistance more quickly in the event of emergencies.
6. Appeal to political parties and civic groups not to echo Beijing’s narrative
The council also called on political parties, civic organizations, and other groups to avoid what it described as aligning with Beijing’s messaging toward Taiwan.
According to the statement, organizations should comply with relevant regulations and be mindful of public opinion in Taiwan. The council argued that participation in activities that reinforce Beijing’s political narrative could result in organizations being perceived as instruments of “united front” work and could send misleading signals to the international community.
The statement concluded by urging all sectors of society to help safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and its democratic values.
First-ever ban on local government personnel
According to the Central News Agency, this is the first time the Mainland Affairs Council has prohibited local-government personnel from attending the Straits Forum.
MAC spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said the restrictions apply to public officials and civil servants.
“At present, public officials and civil servants of the Republic of China must obtain approval before traveling to China. Therefore, anyone applying through us to attend the Straits Forum will not receive approval.”
Liang explained that the decision was taken in response to what the government views as Beijing’s increasing efforts to influence Taiwan.
“The Straits Forum is the CCP’s largest platform for promoting integration and united-front work toward Taiwan, and the government naturally must respond.”
Kuomintang delegation not covered by the ban
Regarding the planned participation of a delegation led by Chang Jung-kung from the Kuomintang, Liang noted that party representatives do not fall within the category of personnel subject to government travel approval requirements.
As a result, they do not need permission from the government to attend.
Nevertheless, he reiterated the council’s appeal that political parties should avoid echoing Beijing’s narrative toward Taiwan or becoming tools of united-front efforts.
Applications expected to be rejected.
Rao Ching-ling and personnel from several local governments, as well as some school administrators, had reportedly applied for permission to attend the Straits Forum in China.
Following the MAC’s policy announcement, the relevant authorities are expected to formally notify applicants that their requests will not be approved.
Overall, the measures mark a significant tightening of Taiwan’s approach toward participation by government personnel in the Straits Forum, reflecting growing concern within the administration of Lai Ching-te over cross-strait political influence activities.
