China targets Taiwanese youth for subsidized travel to Xinjiang amid human rights concerns

China has reportedly launched an effort to attract Taiwanese youth to join heavily subsidized trips to Xinjiang in a bid to divert attention from the region’s grave human rights abuses, Radio Free Asia reports.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long sought to bring Taiwan under its control using both soft power tactics and, when necessary, military force. Beijing’s “soft power” campaign includes offering paid trips to Taiwan’s social media influencers and celebrities to promote China’s political narrative.

Now, Beijing is targeting Taiwanese citizens aged 16-40 with a nine-day tour of Xinjiang, organized by the Xinjiang Provincial Federation of Taiwan Compatriots. Advertised on Taiwan’s popular PTT bulletin board, participants will have to pay NTD 24,800 (about US$755), with China covering all other expenses including travel, accommodation and insurance.

However, the tour comes with a condition: participants must provide personal information such as Taiwanese ID card number, educational background, workplace details, emergency contacts and phone number, Radio Free Asia reported.

This has raised concerns, with critics accusing the Chinese government of attempting to divert attention from ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang, where millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking groups are subjected to mass incarceration, forced labor and “re-education”. “has been made a victim of. Camp.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese volunteer organization Vacationer has come under scrutiny for sending volunteers to Xinjiang. Critics argue that Wacker’s actions are helping to “whitewash” human rights abuses in the region. According to Radio Free Asia, in response, Wacker defended his/her activities, claiming that he/she had never received reports of exploitation in Xinjiang and invited people to visit the region to “find out for themselves.”

This development underscores China’s growing influence campaigns aimed at shaping international perceptions, particularly among Taiwan’s younger generation.