TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Since January 2024, 52 Taiwanese nationals have gone missing or been detained in China, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Tuesday.

Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) told reporters that, unlike in the past, Beijing has not proactively provided any information or details about these cases. Instead, the MAC learned of the incidents after being informed by relatives, per Radio Taiwan International.

Chiu warned that China has become a riskier destination for Taiwanese citizens, particularly following the launch of the "22 Opinions" policy in June 2023, which targets alleged Taiwan independence supporters. The policy includes trials in absentia for so-called "independence diehards," with the death penalty as a possible outcome. He said these measures only escalate tensions between the two sides and hinder normal exchanges.

In addition to the 52 missing or detained individuals, another 13 Taiwanese nationals are reportedly being held to assist with investigations, per CNA.

The MAC minister also cautioned that employees in sensitive sectors and prominent academics could face scrutiny when traveling to China. He noted that Chinese authorities may search travelers' phones and laptops, raising further concerns about security risks for Taiwanese visitors.