TAIPEI (Taiwan News) - The Ministry of Education warned Wednesday of the risks for Taiwanese students traveling to China on exchange programs.

According to Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅), the current cross-strait situation is tense, per CNA. He pointed out that the travel alert for China was raised to orange, which advises citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

Chang said there is no policy preventing schools from cross-strait exchanges. He said the ministry only requires that exchanges be healthy and orderly, free from “united front” or political agendas. 

His statement comes after the Mainland Affairs Council on Wednesday said the risks for Taiwanese traveling to China have increased. MAC revealed that from January 2024 to April 30, 2025, 89 Taiwanese were reported missing or detained in China.

MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said the government wants schools to discuss the situation and raise students' knowledge of China. He said students planning to study in China should be aware of the risks, considering Beijing's efforts to target Taiwanese youth with propaganda.

Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said the ministry is not opposed to students engaging with China. However, he reminded them of certain risks as summer programs are about to begin.