Taiwan’s government has reaffirmed that lifting its ban on group tours to China will only happen once the safety and personal freedoms of Taiwanese travelers are guaranteed, following a fatal bus accident in Gansu province that left one tourist dead and 12 injured.
The crash, which occurred on April 24 during a sightseeing excursion in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, has reignited debate over the long-standing restrictions on organized travel to China. Officials say the policy remains in place due to persistent security risks, despite criticism that the ban has become little more than a symbolic gesture.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan’s top agency handling cross-strait relations, stated late Sunday that while the accident appeared to be an isolated traffic incident, broader concerns about traveler safety in China prevent any immediate policy changes. The group involved in the crash was not a traditional tour organized by a travel agency but a privately arranged trip handled by a licensed Taiwanese operator, which had secured the required insurance and assigned a tour leader.
Safety Risks Cited as Primary Obstacle
In a statement, the MAC emphasized that China’s expanding national security laws—including a 2024 directive known as the “22 Measures Against Taiwan Independence”—have created an increasingly hostile environment for Taiwanese visitors. The measures encourage public reporting of perceived “separatist” activities, raising fears of arbitrary detentions or restrictions on personal freedoms.
According to government data, 330 cases of Taiwanese citizens going missing, being detained for questioning, or facing restrictions on their movement in China have been reported between January 2024 and March 2026. That marks an increase of 17 cases in just the past month, underscoring what officials describe as a deteriorating climate for travelers.
“The current travel advisory for China remains at ‘orange’—a level that signals significant risks,” the MAC said. “Until we can ensure the safety and freedom of our citizens, lifting the ban on group tours is not an option.”
Accident Details and Government Response
The crash involved a group of over 30 Taiwanese tourists traveling in Gansu’s Ganjia Scenic Area when their sightseeing vehicle overturned. The victims included a man who died at the scene and 12 others injured, nine of whom remained hospitalized as of Sunday. The tour was organized by Taiwan-based Xi Hong Travel Service, which had arranged the trip under a “self-organized group” model—a workaround that complies with current regulations while allowing agencies to facilitate travel.
Taiwanese authorities acted quickly to assist the victims and their families. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which handles cross-strait communication, coordinated with local Taiwanese business associations in Lanzhou to provide on-the-ground support. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Tourism Administration directed the travel agency to expedite arrangements for relatives to travel to China, including handling insurance claims and repatriation efforts.
“This was a tragic accident, but it also highlights the vulnerabilities travelers face even under current safeguards,” said a spokesperson for the Tourism Administration. “Our priority now is ensuring the injured receive proper care and that families are supported through this difficult time.”
Industry Pushes Back on Ban’s Effectiveness
The accident has intensified scrutiny of the travel ban, which was imposed in February 2024 after China unilaterally altered flight routes near the Taiwan Strait—a move Taiwan condemned as a provocative escalation. While the policy officially prohibits Taiwanese travel agencies from organizing group tours to China, critics argue it has done little to curb travel. Instead, they say, it has driven tourists toward less regulated “self-organized” trips, which may lack the same protections as traditional tours.
Travel industry representatives have called the ban “purely political posturing,” noting that it fails to address the root issues of safety and legal risks for Taiwanese in China. Some agencies report that demand for travel to China remains high, with many tourists opting for individual trips or informal group arrangements to bypass restrictions.
“The ban doesn’t stop people from going—it just makes their trips riskier,” said one industry insider, who requested anonymity. “If the government is serious about safety, it should focus on real protections rather than symbolic measures.”
What Comes Next?
For now, Taiwan’s government shows no signs of reversing its stance. The MAC reiterated that any policy shift would require concrete assurances from Beijing regarding the treatment of Taiwanese citizens, including guarantees against arbitrary detentions and respect for personal freedoms.
“The safety of our people is non-negotiable,” the agency said. “Until those conditions are met, the ban will remain in place.”
As recovery efforts continue for the victims of the Gansu crash, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding cross-strait travel. With tensions unlikely to ease soon, the debate over how best to protect Taiwanese travelers—while balancing geopolitical realities—is far from over.
