China has warned “stubborn” Taiwanese separatists that it could impose the death penalty in extreme cases, stepping up pressure even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction in the democratically ruled island.
China, which considers Taiwan to be its territory, has made no secret of its dislike for President Lai Ching-te, who took office last month, calling him a “separatist” and conducting military drills immediately after he took office.
Taiwan has complained about increasing Chinese pressure since Lai won election in January, including military action, trade sanctions and Japan Coast Guard patrols around islands it controls that border China.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the new guidelines say China’s courts, prosecutors, public institutions and national security organs should “severely punish Taiwan independence hardliners in accordance with the law for splitting the nation and inciting separatist crimes, and resolutely safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”
The notice published by Beijing on Friday specified that the death penalty would be imposed on “ringleaders” of the independence movement who “have caused particularly serious harm to the country and the people,” according to Xinhua.
Other key supporters face prison terms ranging from 10 years to life.
Xinhua said the new guidelines, which take effect from Friday, are issued under existing laws including the 2005 Anti-Secession Law, which gives China the legal basis to take military action if Taiwan declares or is about to declare independence.
Sun Ping, from China’s Ministry of Public Security, told reporters in Beijing that the maximum penalty for “secession” is the death penalty.
“The sharp sword of legal action will always be held high,” she said.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned Beijing’s actions and urged Taiwanese people not to be intimidated by China.
“The Beijing authorities have absolutely no jurisdiction over Taiwan, and the Chinese Communist Party’s so-called laws and norms are not binding on the Taiwanese people,” the government said in a statement on Friday. “The government urges its people to rest assured and not be threatened or intimidated by the Chinese Communist Party.”
The guidelines detail what would be considered punishable offences, including promoting Taiwan’s membership in international organisations where statehood is a condition, having “official contacts with the outside world”, and “suppressing” political parties, organisations or people that promote “unification”.
The guidelines add a new clause to the list of acts that could be considered crimes, calling for “any other act seeking to separate Taiwan from China,” leaving the rules open to broad interpretation.
Lai has repeatedly proposed talks with China but has been rebuffed, saying only the Taiwanese people can decide Taiwan’s future.
China has previously taken legal action against Taiwanese officials, including sanctions against Taiwan’s former de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-hsin, who is now Taiwan’s vice president.
Such punishments would have little practical effect because Chinese courts have no jurisdiction in Taiwan, which the Taiwanese government denies China’s claims to sovereignty. No Taiwanese official, including its president, has visited China.
Agence France-Presse
