Chinese authorities have launched a formal investigation into allegations that relatives of prominent Taiwan independence advocates have profited from business operations on the mainland while providing financial support to separatist political activities. The announcement came from Chen Binhua, spokesman for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press briefing on Friday.
The investigation centers on reports that a family member of Liu Shih-fang, who heads Taiwan’s internal affairs administration, has engaged in commercial ventures and derived financial benefits from mainland operations. According to Chen, these business activities allegedly served as a funding source for political movements advocating Taiwan’s independence from China.
Beijing’s response reinforces its longstanding policy against what it terms ‘separatist activities’ while simultaneously enforcing regulations that prohibit individuals supporting Taiwan independence from benefiting economically from mainland markets. The spokesman emphasized that authorities are conducting the investigation through proper legal channels and will apply appropriate regulatory measures.
This development occurs within the broader context of cross-strait relations, where Beijing maintains its ‘One-China’ principle and consistently opposes any form of Taiwan independence. The Chinese government has previously implemented various measures to restrict economic opportunities for those supporting separatist agendas, viewing such actions as undermining national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The investigation signals Beijing’s continued vigilance toward economic activities that might indirectly support political movements it considers threatening to national unity. Analysts suggest this case may establish precedents for how mainland authorities handle similar situations involving perceived conflicts between economic engagement and political allegiances across the Taiwan Strait.