Taipei [Taiwan], April 24 (HBTV): Taiwan's attempt to restrict travels to China by lawmakers and city and county councilors failed on Tuesday, reported Taiwan News. 

The move was aimed against plans by Kuomintang (KMT) caucus convener Fu Kun-chi to lead a delegation to Beijing April 25-28.  

Fu was believed to have cancelled his trip after the latest earthquakes in his home region of Hualien.

Leading members within the KMT have recently increased their visits to China.  

Taiwan's ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Puma Shen earlier had urged to lawmaker for restrict China trips amid rising national security concerns.   

Shen stated that national security restrictions on elected politicians visiting China should also include members of city councils, county councils, and the Legislative Yuan, as per Taiwan News.  

Additionally, it has been suggested that travelers to China should disclose the nature of their meetings and the content of their discussions with Chinese officials, Taiwan News reported citing CNA. He said the restrictions should be valid for all officials and politicians who came into contact with confidential and sensitive information.  

However, the Procedure Committee approved a KMT motion to put Shen's proposal aside for the time being by 10 to eight votes. Critics said the DPP lawmaker's view was too narrow, as meetings by lawmakers in other countries could also affect national security.    

Earlier, on Monday, legislators of Taiwan's ruling DPP proposed an amendment to strip benefits from military retirees who have received suspended sentences for espionage-related offences, Taipei Times reported. 

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.