Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has voiced concern over Beijing’s growing control of religious activities, noting that several Taiwanese Yiguandao followers remain stranded in China. The council urged Beijing to respect religious freedom rather than continue its suppression.
The MAC highlighted that China’s new “Regulations on Online Conduct for Religious Clergy” infringe upon freedom of belief and are administered by the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, which has sought to impose party ideology on religion.
The council emphasized that Beijing has no jurisdiction over Taiwan and condemned China’s attempt to extend extraterritorial control to Taiwanese religious figures. It further warned that although Beijing claims to support cross-strait religious exchanges, it routinely imposes restrictions when activities do not align with political or propaganda objectives.
The MAC advised Taiwanese religious organizations and individuals traveling to China to remain highly vigilant and pay close attention to potential risks to their personal safety.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), September 18, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202509180334.aspx