A big international news is coming amid the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan. According to foreign media reports, Taiwanese officials have warned that several new and amended security laws being implemented by China have significantly increased uncertainty and risk for Taiwanese citizens and investors traveling or doing business there. Beijing's continued tightening of controls over information, economic activities, cross-border movement, and domestic resources is causing deep concern among the Taiwanese community.
According to the report, many strict laws in China have either been implemented or are going to be implemented soon. These include the 'Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law' which came into force on July 1 and draft regulations governing internet services. Additionally, new exit-and-entry regulations and the amended 'National Defense Mobilization Law' taking effect from October 1 and new cyberspace security inspection measures further aggravate the situation. Experts on cross-Strait affairs believe that Beijing is now broadening the scope of the definition of national security, which has expanded beyond traditional security to trade, finance, information and movement of ordinary citizens.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council says these sweeping rules would give Chinese authorities too much leeway in deciding what activity goes against their interests. Under this, the authorities get a legal basis to investigate, interrogate and search any suspicious person. Under the new framework, enforcement agencies have been given more powers even at the local level. For example, public security agencies can now also examine people's electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops as part of cyber security measures.
The matter of biggest concern is the amended 'National Defense Mobilization Law', under which officials will be allowed to confiscate even private property if necessary. The law places special emphasis on strengthening the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and linking civilian economic and technological resources with national defense. The Taiwanese administration has advised its citizens to be cautious about all these risks while traveling to China.