Taiwan plans to ban workers in key tech roles from visiting mainland China
- The new rules are prompted by growing concerns about illicit tech transfers and mean individuals and businesses will need permission to go to the mainland
- Change covers those with access to core technology and government contractors working in fields such as defence, foreign affairs and intelligence
Taiwan plans to bar people involved in critical industries from visiting the Chinese mainland without permission in the latest move to protect its core technologies.
The Mainland Affairs Council – the island’s top cross-strait policy planner – plans to restrict those who possess or have access to core technologies from pursuing a career on the mainland.
The revised version of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area recently published on the council’s website affects both individuals and organisations, including those commissioned by the government to research and develop such technologies.
The amendment will also cover those contracted to work for government agencies involved in defence, foreign affairs, technology, intelligence and mainland affairs, as well as those who have information relating to Taiwan’s core interests.
The regulations will also apply for up to three years after leaving sensitive posts.
A fine of up to NT$10 million (US$35,800) will be slapped for those who fail to receive approval from a review committee formed by the interior ministry, justice ministry, national security bureau and the Mainland Affairs Council.