Taiwan protested yesterday after Beijing blocked a visit by the wife of a rights activist whose detention in China has further soured relations.
Lee Ching-yu was planning to fly to Beijing yesterday afternoon in her bid to "rescue" Lee Ming-che, who is under investigation in the mainland for suspected activities "endangering national security."
But she was told by the airline she couldn't board the plane because her travel permit to China has been revoked.
"I am surprised, shocked and saddened. Does the Chinese government really need to exercise so much power to stop a weak woman like me from going?" she told reporters at the airport near Taipei.
Her husband's detention is the latest in a series of incidents that have heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei since China-sceptic Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan's president last year.
Beijing deeply mistrusts her independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, and has severed official communications with Taipei.
NGO worker Lee, 42, was last heard from on March 19 before he entered Zhuhai from Macau.
"The government strongly protests that China bars Ms Lee from visiting by revoking her valid travel documents," said Chiu Chui-cheng, vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council.
"We urge the Chinese side to clarify the truth, to disclose where Lee's been held, and allow visitation by his family as soon as possible, as well as ensuring his early and safe release."
Lee had been sharing "Taiwan's democratic experiences" with online Chinese friends and sent them books, according to a petition for his release.
Lee Ching-yu said she was warned her husband's "confession" would be aired on television if she insisted on flying to Beijing, while he would be released soon if she cooperated.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
