TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  New Taipei City education officials advised Shiding Elementary School Principal Wei Chien-ni (魏千妮) to follow regulations regarding travel to China after the Department of Education became aware of plans for an August trip to Zhejiang.

A leaked invitation form indicated the trip would involve teachers, students and parents from the New Taipei City school. The five- to six-day trip includes plans for a banquet on the first day, Liberty Times reported on Friday (June 28).

The New Taipei City Deputy Commissioner, Liu Ming-chao (劉明超), said Wei submitted an application for a school trip to Shandong last year but has not submitted one for the August trip to Zhejiang. Liu warned of punishment for violating existing rules.

The Education Department emphasized that schools must adhere to relevant regulations for trips to China and that activities should be apolitical. It also stressed the importance of safeguarding Taiwan's interests and security, per CNA.

The source for the leaked invitation for the Zheijiang trip alleged improper conduct by Wei. The source raised concerns about a biased selection process, a secrecy clause, and the low cost of the trip with an unclear funding source.

Wei defended the school's previous trip to Shandong, stating it was for a robotics competition. She said she encouraged student participation in international events.

Wei claimed she was unaware that any Chinese officials would attend any events planned on the trip, saying that she respected the organizers' arrangements. On the Shandong trip, Wei reportedly attended a banquet that included officials linked to China's united front network, including Xu Hairong (徐海榮), head of the United Front Work Department of Shandong, per the Economic Herald.

During the banquet, Wei reportedly expressed hope for more cross-strait interaction between young people. She also said that seeing the students interact made the trip feel like a homecoming.

Wei and her office did not respond to CNA's inquiries.