Taipei, July 7 (CNA) The purpose of having stricter travel regulations for retired military and government officials going to China was to ensure that Taiwan's national security and sovereignty will not be compromised, the Presidential Office said Friday.
Earlier on Thursday, the Cabinet passed a draft amendment that introduces more stringent penalties for Taiwan's retired high-ranking military officers and senior political appointees who engage in political activities in China.
Under the draft amendment to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, former high ranking military brass and political appointees are prohibited from participating in political activities in China for a period of 15 years after retirement. Those caught breaching the rules could be deprived of their pension rights or subject to a maximum fine of NT$5 million (US$163,393).
As members of the armed forces, whether retired or on active duty, their lifetime role should be to preserve the integrity and well-being of Taiwan's 23 million people, and to defend the island's hard-earned democracy and freedom, said office spokesman Alex Huang.
He said the participation of some retired high-ranking government and military officials at Chinese political events last year has drawn a lot of attention from members of the public and the Legislative Yuan.
The draft bill will now go to a Legislative Yuan committee for review.
