China: death penalty for advocating 'Taiwan independence'

Submitted by Jurist on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 15:53

China on June 21 instated the death penalty for "particularly serious" cases involving supporters of Taiwanese independence. New judicial guidelines outline severe punishments for activities deemed as fragmenting the country or inciting secession. The new standards, entitled "Opinions on Punishing the Crimes of Splitting the Country & Inciting Splitting the Country by 'Taiwan Independence' Diehards," were jointly issued by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Justice. The document sets forth a legal framework with the goal of combatting "separatist" activities by proponents of Taiwan's independence.

The guidelines categorize and outline specific actions that constitute crimes of secession and incitement to secession, including:

  • Initiating or establishing organizations, plans, or programs aimed at promoting Taiwanese independence.
  • Attempting to alter Taiwan’s status through legislative means or referendums.
  • Seeking international recognition of Taiwan as an independent entity.
  • Using one's job or influence, such as in government, education, or media, to misrepresent or falsify the history of Taiwan's status as part of China.
  • Consistently taking part in or playing a major role in activities that support Taiwanese independence.

The new standards stipulate severe punishments for those identified as leaders or significant participants in secessionist activities, and classify actions causing "significant harm to the state and its people" as offenses that may result in the death penalty. Other punishments range from life imprisonment to fixed-term imprisonment, similarly depending on the severity and role in the activities.

In response to the new guidelines, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council issued a statement emphasizing the democratic freedoms enjoyed by Taiwan's citizens. The council asserted that Beijing has no jurisdiction over Taiwan and that the new laws are therefore not binding on the people of Taiwan. The council further criticized the Chinese Communist Party's actions as detrimental to cross-strait relations.

The guidelines officially came into force on the date of their release, just three days after the sighting of a Chinese nuclear submarine surfacing near Taiwan. National Defense Minister of Taiwan Wellington Koo stated on June 16 that the Taiwanese government was vigilantly monitoring the situation.

Fom Jurist, June 22. Used with pernission.

Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China condemns PRC pressure

Submitted by WW4 Report on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 18:56

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a statement July 29 confirming several of its members were contacted by People's Republic of China embassies in their respective countries to "attempt to intimidate and dissuade them" from travelling to Taiwan for the upcoming IPAC summit in Taipei. (Jurist)

China sanctions 'Taiwanese separatists' amid military drills

Submitted by WW4 Report on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 01:55

China's Taiwan Affairs Office announced Oct. 14 sanctions against Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen, banning them from entering mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. The two are accused of promoting Taiwanese independence and engaging in separatist activities.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, highlighted their involvement with the "Black Bear Academy," an organization that allegedly fosters pro-independence sentiments among Taiwanese youth, supported by the Democratic Progressive Party and external forces. The office also stated that the activities of Tsao and Shen pose serious threats to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, undermining the interests of people on both sides.

For their involvement, the office has included Shen and Tsao in a list of so-called "Taiwan independence diehards" and imposed sanctions against them, including restrictions on their financial and institutional cooperation with mainland organizations apart from banning entry to China.

Chen warned that advocates of Taiwanese independence would face significant repercussions for their actions, urging Taiwanese citizens to oppose separatist movements and promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

In June, China introduced the death penalty for "particularly serious" cases involving supporters of Taiwanese independence The guidelines stipulate that severe punishments should be imposed on those identified as leaders or significant participants in secessionist activists and committed acts causing "significant harm to the state and its people."

In response, Shen stated that the sanctions are part of China's "United Front" campaign to boost cross-strait reunification, along with media warfare and military actions around Taiwan.

Following Taiwan's National Day on Oct. 10, China conducted on Monday joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait, which Taiwan and the US described as a military provocation that undermined peace and stability in the area. (Jurist)