China threatens death penalty for ‘die-hard’ Taiwan separatists

BEIJING – China on June 21 threatened to impose the death penalty in extreme cases for “die-hard” Taiwan independence separatists, even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction over the democratically governed island.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. It has stepped up pressure on the island after the

inauguration of President Lai Ching-te

– who is described by Beijing as a “separatist” – in May, including staging war games shortly after he took office.

Taipei has complained of a pattern of ramped-up Chinese pressure since Mr Lai won the election in January, including military actions, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China.

Under new guidelines issued by Beijing, China’s courts, prosecutors, public and state security bodies should “severely punish Taiwan independence diehards for splitting the country and inciting secession crimes in accordance with the law, and resolutely defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity”.

The guidelines are being issued in accordance with laws already on the books, including the 2005 anti-secession law, Xinhua news agency said.

That law gives China the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or seems about to do so.

Ms Sun Ping, an official from China’s Ministry of Public Security, told reporters in Beijing the maximum penalty for the “crime of secession” was the death penalty.

“The sharp sword of legal action will always hang high,” she said.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council on June 21 slammed Beijing’s move, urging its people not to be threatened by China.

“The Beijing authorities have absolutely no jurisdiction over Taiwan, and the Chinese communists’ so-called laws and norms have no binding force on our people. The government appeals to our country’s people to feel at ease and not to be threatened or intimidated by the Chinese Communist Party,” it said in a statement.

The guidelines detail what is considered a crime worthy of punishment, including promoting Taiwan’s entry to international organisations where statehood is a condition, having “external official exchanges” and “suppressing” parties, groups and people that promote “reunification”.

The guidelines add a clause to what could be considered a crime – “other acts that seek to separate Taiwan from China” – meaning the rules can be broadly interpreted.

China has taken legal measures against Taiwanese officials before, including imposing sanctions on Ms Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s former de facto ambassador to the United States, and now the island’s Vice-President.

Such punishments have little practical effect, as Chinese courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Mr Lai has repeatedly offered to hold talks with China but has been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. REUTERS