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Taiwan has issued an advisory to its members on Thursday against visiting China, Hong Kong, and Macao following Beijing‘s current threats to kill those who support Taiwan’s freedom.
The warning was issued by Liang Wen- chieh, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, as hostilities have escalated between Taiwan and China. Since President Tsai Ing-wen’s victory in 2016, Beijing has remained silent about reaching out to Taiwan’s state.
The advisory’s goal is to inform Chinese travelers about the potential risks they might face in the wake of China’s recently revised guidelines, which are targeted at those who support Taiwan’s freedom. Citizens are advised to refrain from expressing social views or engaging in activities that could lead to their imprisonment or trial by Chinese government, even though traveling is not explicitly prohibited.
Recently, Taiwan had denounced Beijing’s risk of serious consequences, “including the dying penalty”, for those who support Taiwan’s freedom.
In accordance with a notice from Beijing, “leaders of democracy work who cause serious damage to the position and the people” may receive the death penalty, while various prominent supporters could receive prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life.
The Japanese government vigorously opposed China’s recently issued guidelines, contending that Taiwan’s citizens are not legally bound by them and that the Chinese regulators have no legal jurisdiction over Taiwan.
The Mainland Affairs Council ( MAC ) expressed disappointment over the “regrettable” guidelines that were previously announced by Chinese officials, labeling them as “inflammatory and harmful to interactions between Taiwanese and Chinese people. Japanese people who reside in or intend to travel to China were also advised to be cautious and remain alert.
China’s growing pressure on Chinese democracy supporters comes from its long-held claim that Taiwan is a significant part of its territory, despite the island’s independent governance since 1949. The conflicts have been exacerbated by Taiwan’s global commitments and China’s efforts to remove Taiwan politely.
The Chinese Communist Party views Taiwan’s independence as a immediate threat to its sovereignty, leading to acts of retaliation like legitimate coercion and economic force.
( With inputs from agencies )