Taiwan Warns Citizens About Travel Risks Amid China’s Crackdown on Independence Supporters

Taiwan is considering warning its citizens about traveling to China-friendly countries like Laos and Cambodia due to potential risks tied to Beijing’s crackdown on Taiwan independence supporters, a senior Taiwan official and an internal government memo reveal.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own despite the island's rejection, issued new guidelines last year to punish "diehard" independence activists, including with the death penalty. A recent confidential meeting led by Wang Huning, a key advisor to President Xi Jinping, instructed China’s security forces to implement these measures abroad, targeting Taiwanese tourists, students, and residents in countries with strong ties to Beijing.

According to Taiwan’s intelligence, certain Southeast Asian and African nations are cooperating with China’s requests, while others have declined. The official, speaking anonymously, warned that Taiwanese in these regions could face questioning or intimidation by local or Chinese authorities.

Taiwan’s government is now reviewing whether to raise travel alert levels for these nations. Currently, Taiwan has an "orange" warning for Cambodia and Laos, advising against travel unless absolutely necessary due to scam centers that traffic Chinese-speaking individuals.

China has denied operating overseas police stations but acknowledges volunteer-run service centers abroad. Taiwan, facing growing pressure from Beijing through military actions and trade sanctions, raised its travel warning for China last year following threats from Beijing.

The Anti-Secession Law, enacted by China two decades ago, provides a legal basis for military action if Taiwan pursues formal independence. However, Taiwan asserts that only its people can decide their future. The island, officially the Republic of China, has operated independently since 1949, with its own government, military, and currency.