China threatens death penalty in extreme cases for ‘diehard’ Taiwan independence separatists, stepping up pressure even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the democratically-ruled island.
China, which views Taiwan as its territory, does not hide its dislike of President Lai Ching-te, who took office last monthclaiming to be a “separatist” and organized war games shortly after taking office.
Taiwan has complained of a pattern of increased Chinese pressure since Lai won elections in January, including continued military action, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwanese-controlled islands to China.
The new guidelines said China’s courts, prosecutors, public and state security organs should “severely punish Taiwan independence supporters for dividing the country and inciting secessionist crimes in accordance with the law, and resolutely protect national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The notice issued by Beijing on Friday specified the death penalty for “leaders” of the independence effort who “cause particularly serious harm to the state and the people,” Xinhua said.
Other leading defenders could face 10 years to life in prison.
The new guidelines – due to take effect from Friday – are being issued in line with laws already in place, including the 2005 anti-secession law, Xinhua said. This law gives China the legal basis to take military action against Taiwan if it secedes or appears likely to do so.
Sun Ping, an official from China’s Ministry of Public Security, told reporters in Beijing that the maximum penalty for the “crime of secession” is the death penalty.
“The sharp sword of legal action will always hang high,” she said.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned Beijing’s move, urging people not to be threatened by China.
“The authorities in Beijing have absolutely no jurisdiction over Taiwan, and the so-called Chinese Communist laws and norms have no binding force on our people,” it said in a statement on Friday. “The government calls on people in our country to feel at ease and not to be threatened or intimidated by the Chinese Communist Party.”
The guidelines detail what is considered a punishable crime, including promoting Taiwan’s entry into international organizations where statehood is a condition, conducting “external official exchanges” and “suppressing” parties, groups and people who promote “unification “.
The guidelines add an additional clause to what can be considered a crime – “other acts that seek to separate Taiwan from China” – meaning the rules can be interpreted broadly.
Lai has repeatedly offered to hold talks with China, but has been rebuffed. He says that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
China has taken legal action against Taiwanese officials before, including imposing sanctions on Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s former de facto ambassador to the US and now the island’s vice president.
Such punishments have little practical effect because Chinese courts have no jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty. Senior Taiwanese officials, including its president, also do not visit China.
With Agence France Presse
