Fatshimetrie recently reported a striking piece of news regarding the growing tensions between China and Taiwan. Indeed, China has threatened to impose the death penalty, in extreme cases, on “diehard” separatists for Taiwanese independence, thus intensifying pressure on the democratically governed island, even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction over Taiwan.
This escalation of repression comes after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, widely criticized by China for his positions described as “separatist.” Chinese military exercises held shortly after Lai came to power have further soured relations.
Since Lai’s election victory in January, Taiwan has seen an intensification of Chinese pressure, resulting in military actions, trade sanctions and Chinese coast guard patrols near Taiwanese-controlled islands close to China.
The new guidelines instruct the judiciary, prosecutors, public security and state organs to “severely punish Taiwan independence diehards for dividing the country and inciting secession in accordance with law, and resolutely uphold national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” according to China’s Xinhua news agency.
The guidelines build on existing laws, including the 2005 Anti-Secession Law, which provides China with a legal basis to resort to military action if Taiwan declares independence.
Sun Ping, an official at China’s Ministry of Public Security, said the maximum penalty for the “crime of secession” was the death penalty. She stressed that “the sharp sword of legal action will always hang over” those involved.
Taiwan was quick to respond to the threats. One official told Reuters that the Taiwanese government was carefully reviewing the content of the new guidelines.
These guidelines redefine what can be considered criminal acts, including promoting Taiwan’s entry into international organizations where statehood is a prerequisite, official exchanges with external entities, and repression of parties, groups, and individuals who promote “reunification.”
A notable element of the guidelines is the addition of a clause referring to “other acts aimed at separating Taiwan from China,” thus providing a broad and vague interpretation of what can be considered criminal.
Despite Lai’s repeated offers of dialogue to China, these have been consistently rejected. Lai insists that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future.
These tensions have also had an impact on diplomatic relations: China imposed sanctions on Hsiao Bi-khim, a former Taiwanese ambassador to the United States, who is now the island’s vice-president.
These punitive measures have little concrete impact since Chinese courts have no jurisdiction in Taiwan, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
In light of this continuing antagonism, high-level Taiwanese leaders, including the president, are avoiding visits to China, further deepening the divide between the two entities. These recurring tensions underline the need for constructive dialogue and a de-escalation of disputes to guarantee stability in the region.