Translated and compiled by Shin-wei Chang

On April 21, in response to the 45 Taiwanese deported to China from Kenya, President Ma Ying-jeou said the incident is not related to Taiwan’s sovereignty. Ma emphasized that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) share the same jurisdiction with ROC on the case, but some Taiwanese consider it a matter of sovereignty, leading to unnecessary disputes.

Ma emphasized the Kenya case is not a matter of sovereignty, but an issue of cooperation between the two countries.

He points out that the ROC and PRC should negotiate under the 2009 Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance Agreement. However, Taipei Times reports, specific principles need to be established to tackle similar cases in the future.

Consensus reached regarding deportation cases

Representatives from the PRC and ROC government have reached four conclusions through negotiations held in China regarding the Kenya and Malaysia cases.

1. Both sides agree to continue to adhere to the 2009 joint crime-fighting agreement in the future.

2. A joint investigation would be carried out soon.

3. The family members of the 45 people in China are allowed to visit the suspects.

4. Both sides agree to establish principles to fight against crime and realize social justice.

However, whether the remaining suspects would be deported back to Taiwan remains unclear. On April 21, Ma admitted that he would not able to bring the 45 people back before May 20, the day he hands over the office to president-elect Tsai Ing-wen.

As for the Malaysia case, 18 of the 20 suspects that have been deported back to Taiwan and released on April 15 were detained on April 20. The remaining two suspects have been banned from leaving the island.

Edited by Olivia Yang

Sources:

“Kenya case not a sovereignty issue: Ma” (Taipei Times)

“Taipei, Beijing to jointly probe cross-border fraud rings” (China Post)

Sanlih E-Television

China Times

CNA

ETToday