Taipei: Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has issued a warning concerning a heavily subsidized eight-day trip to Xinjiang, China, targeting young Taiwanese teachers. The Council fears that the program could subject participants to Beijing's "united front" influence operations.
According to Focus Taiwan, MAC Deputy Head Shen Yu-chung expressed concerns that by focusing on teachers, Chinese authorities might establish "nodes" within Taiwanese campuses. Shen explained that these nodes could potentially be used to involve more young people in similar programs in the future. The trip, titled the "Cross-Strait Young Teachers' Northern Xinjiang Tour," attracted attention after a report by the Chinese-language Liberty Times. An unnamed government official cited by the publication suggested that the trip, while presented as a cross-strait exchange, might be intended to "brainwash" participants.
Scheduled for August 14-21, the trip will accommodate up to 25 Taiwanese teachers under the age of 45. The Taipei-based organizer, Chinese Youth International, seeks teachers interested in China's ethnic minority cultures, natural environment, education, and regional development. While participants must cover their own flights and a registration fee of NT$4,000 (US$124.3), the organizer will cover food and accommodation costs.
The itinerary includes visits to educational institutions, a facility operated by Taiwan's Want Want Group, museums, and other cultural and touristic sites in Xinjiang. As of Tuesday, registration had closed, and the funding source for the trip remains undisclosed.
Responding to media inquiries, Shen speculated that the age limit of 45 might be due to the belief that younger individuals are more impressionable, potentially making them more susceptible to reshaping their views on national identity through united front work. Shen described the teacher-focused trip as a "new approach" and emphasized MAC's commitment to working with the Ministry of Education to raise awareness about the associated risks.
Shen further warned that such programs offering subsidized hospitality might present a skewed image of China, overshadowing the risks of Beijing's "united front" activities. While he did not specify any actions the authorities might take to halt the trip or investigate its organizer, Shen highlighted the need for schools to act cautiously.
Although Shen linked the program to "united front" risks, there is no public evidence directly connecting the tour to Chinese authorities. However, the organizer's previous tours have involved exchanges with Chinese institutions, and its officials have participated in activities associated with the Straits Forum, which MAC describes as a platform for Beijing's united front work against Taiwan.