On Wednesday, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng pointed out that after the Chinese Communist Party issued the '22 Measures for Punishing Independence' in 2024, Yiguandao has been listed as a cult organization alongside Falun Gong. Followers could face over 3 years of imprisonment, and so far, 17 Taiwanese have been arrested and detained in China because of this, with only 3 having been released. He reminded relevant groups to be cautious about the risks of missionary activities in China.
When answering questions at the Legislative Yuan that day, Chiu Chui-cheng said that if Yiguandao believers go to China, they could be sentenced to more than 3 years in prison by the Chinese authorities according to Article 300 of their Criminal Law.
Chiu Chui-cheng pointed out that to date, 20 Taiwanese have been arrested and detained in China due to religious reasons, 17 of whom are Yiguandao believers, with only 3 released so far.
Chiu Chui-cheng also mentioned that after the CCP announced the '22 Measures for Punishing Independence' in 2024, the number of Taiwanese who have gone missing, disappeared, or had their personal freedom restricted in China has increased from 55 people in 2024 to 221 in 2025; so far this year, as of May, 85 people have been affected.
During questioning, DPP legislator Chang Hung-lu noted that there are many Yiguandao followers in Taiwan, and now some have been arrested for proselytizing in China. He is concerned that in the future, Taiwanese tourists in China may be arrested just for being Yiguandao believers, and called on the Mainland Affairs Council to strengthen outreach and education.
In response, Chiu Chui-cheng stated that China’s Religious Affairs Bureau is administered by the United Front Work Department, and its management is not related to religious freedom, but rather serves the needs of the United Front.