Mainland sanctions diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists

Two officials from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have been added to the list of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists by the Chinese mainland and subjected to corresponding sanctions, a mainland spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news conference on Wednesday that Liu Shyh-fang, head of Taiwan's "interior affairs department", and Cheng Ying-yao, head of the island's "education department", were both listed as diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists.

Chen said their misdeeds in promoting "Taiwan independence", which run counter to mainstream public opinion, have aroused strong indignation among compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. According to him, many people have reported Liu and Cheng to the authorities, calling for their punishment.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, Chen said that after being listed as diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists, Liu and Cheng, along with their family members, are banned from entering the mainland, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Their affiliated organizations are also prohibited from seeking profits and cooperating with organizations and individuals on the mainland.

Chen stated that Liu has openly propagated "Taiwan independence" fallacies and suppressed Taiwan individuals who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. "She has been creating obstacles for people-to-people exchanges across the Strait and blocking communication channels between people on both sides," Chen said.

Cheng, who oversees education on the island, has promoted provocative "Taiwan independence" rhetoric and led the compilation of "pro-independence" textbooks on the island, which have poisoned the minds of Taiwan's youth, Chen said.

Cheng has also obstructed educational exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Strait, according to the spokesman.

Chen criticized Liu and Cheng for their obstinate "Taiwan independence" stance, rampant separatist rhetoric and egregious actions. He accused them of attempting to split the country, inciting division, undermining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and seriously harming the interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chen also announced that Chen Shu-yi, a prosecutor in Taiwan, has been designated as an accomplice to "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and will be held accountable for life in accordance with the law.

Investigations have found that Chen Shu-yi willingly acted as an accomplice by fabricating charges, concocting wrongful cases, persecuting Taiwan individuals who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, intimidating the public, and creating what the spokesman described as a "green terror".

Calling the prosecutor's actions egregious and serious, Chen encouraged the public on both sides of the Strait to continue providing information and evidence regarding her suspected illegal and criminal activities.

To date, the mainland has designated 14 individuals as diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists and 12 as accomplices and enforcers of "Taiwan independence", Chen said, stressing that these separatists will face necessary legal measures wherever they may be.

"Punishing a very small number of diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists in accordance with the law is aimed at fundamentally safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and protecting the vital interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots," Chen said, adding that such measures are by no means directed at the vast majority of Taiwan people.