The Chinese mainland will take back some stowaways detained in Taiwan at the end of this month, according to sources from the eastern Chinese province of Fujian.

The decision takes into consideration the stowaways' desire to reunite with their family members during the Mid-Autunm Festival, a family reunion occasion celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth Lunar month, which falls on Sept. 28 this year.

The Chinese mainland expects Taiwan to take measures to improve the living environment at the detention centers and protect the personal safety of detainees, while striking against those who organize stowaways.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2004)