In a significant escalation of cross-strait tensions, Chinese mainland authorities have designated two senior Taiwanese officials as hardened ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists and imposed comprehensive sanctions against them. The announcement came from Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Liu Shih-fang, head of Taiwan’s Interior Affairs Department, and Cheng Ying-yao, overseeing the island’s education policy, were formally added to Beijing’s list of individuals accused of promoting separatist agendas. According to the spokesman, both officials have engaged in persistent activities that contradict mainstream public opinion and deliberately undermine cross-strait relations.
The sanctions package imposes lifelong legal accountability measures, prohibiting the officials and their family members from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Additionally, organizations affiliated with either official are barred from conducting business or establishing cooperative ties with mainland entities.
In a parallel development, prosecutor Chen Shu-yi from Taiwan’s High Prosecutors Office was designated as an accomplice to separatist activities. Authorities accused her of manufacturing cases and targeting individuals who support cross-strait exchanges, allegedly creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
The mainland has now identified 14 individuals as primary ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists, including Taiwan’s deputy leader Hsiao Bi-khim and defense chief Koo Li-hsiung, alongside 12 individuals listed as accomplices.
The spokesman referenced China’s Anti-Secession Law, emphasizing that challenges to national sovereignty would face severe consequences. He also addressed a recently withdrawn proposal by DPP lawmakers that sought to redefine cross-strait relations, warning that such ‘de jure independence’ attempts would not be tolerated.
Authorities have encouraged citizens from both sides of the strait to provide information regarding illegal activities by those named in the sanctions list.