Taipei (Taiwan), April 24 (HBTV): Taiwan tried to restrict members of parliament and city and county councilors from traveling to mainland China on Tuesday, but failed, Taiwan News reported.
This move is in response to Fu Kunji, the convener of the Kuomintang caucus meeting, who will lead a delegation to visit Beijing from April 25 to 28.
Fu is believed to have canceled the trip after the recent earthquake in his hometown of Hualien.
The number of visits to China by the Kuomintang leadership has increased recently.
Shen Puma, a legislator from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, had earlier urged lawmakers to restrict travel from mainland China amid growing national security concerns.
According to Taiwan News, Shen said national security restrictions on elected politicians visiting China should also include members of city councils, county assemblies and the Legislative Yuan.
Additionally, travelers to China have been advised to disclose the nature of their meetings with Chinese officials and the content of their discussions, according to Taiwan News citing the Central News Agency. He said the restrictions should apply to all officials and politicians who have access to confidential and sensitive information.
However, the Program Committee voted 10 to 8 to pass the KMT’s motion and temporarily shelve Shen’s proposal. Critics say the views of DPP legislators are too narrow because meetings of legislators from other countries could also affect national security.
Earlier on Monday, legislators from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party proposed an amendment to strip benefits from veterans on probation for espionage-related crimes, the Taipei Times reported.
(Year) This is a syndicated news source. It has been edited by HBTV for clarity.
