China has issued new judicial guidelines threatening the death penalty for 'hardline supporters' of Taiwanese independence. These guidelines, which have come into force immediately, represent an intensified effort by Beijing to pressure Taiwan, a democratic island that China considers an inalienable part of its territory.
The guidelines were published jointly by China's highest judicial authorities and the government, and state media have widely reported on them. They call for severe punishment for those who engage in secessionist activities, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty for the most extreme cases. The guidelines are based on China's anti-secession law and the Chinese penal code.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who took office a month ago, has been labeled a 'dangerous' secessionist by China. His inauguration speech, which emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) and the People's Republic of China 'are not subordinate to each other,' has further angered Beijing. In response, China has conducted war maneuvers around the island, aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The new guidelines define criminal acts of division as establishing separatist organizations, advocating for Taiwan's entry into international organizations limited to sovereign states, and participating in military contacts abroad aimed at creating 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan.' They also consider distorting facts about Taiwan's membership in China in areas such as education, culture, history, and media as criminal conduct.
Taipei has promptly responded, asserting that Beijing has no jurisdiction over Taiwan and that these laws have no binding force on its people. The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan has called the guidelines a 'crude provocation' and assured the public not to feel threatened. They also warned that these actions would only provoke confrontation and not improve cross-strait relations.
Sun Ping, a senior Chinese security official, stated that the guidelines mean 'the sharp sword of legal action will always hang' over suspected secessionists. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to increase military pressure on Taiwan, maintaining a near-daily presence of armed forces around the island.
- The threat of the death penalty is particularly aimed at those who are considered leaders of the secessionist movement, as they are seen to cause 'particularly serious harm to the State and the people.' Other leading independence activists could face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life.
- China's new guidelines also target those who attempt to alter Taiwan's legal status through amendments to regulations or referendums. They further criminalize advocating for Taiwan's entry into international organizations and engaging in official exchanges abroad with the aim of creating a separate Taiwanese identity on the global stage.
- The guidelines are seen as an extension of China's longstanding policy to unify Taiwan with the mainland, although Beijing claims it prefers peaceful means. However, the use of force has not been ruled out if necessary.
- Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains its own government, military, and currency, operating as a de facto independent state. The island's leadership has consistently rejected Beijing's claims, insisting on their right to self-determination.
