On Thursday, Taiwan warned its citizens against traveling to Hong Kong, China and Macau following the Beijing government’s recent announcement that those backing Taiwanese independence would be hanged.
The spokesperson for the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan, Liang Wen-Chieh however maintained some hope through his statement. This move has escalated tensions between Taiwan and China due to its claims over the island. Since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016, Beijing has seen Taiwan as part of its territory and refused diplomatic engagement with Taipei.
This measure was aimed at informing Taiwanese travelers on perils they could face under new Chinese laws targeting individuals advocating for Taiwan’s secession but not banning travel entirely. However, citizens are urged not to express political opinions or take part in activities which may lead to their arrest and imprisonment by Chinese authorities.
Earlier on, Taiwan had criticized a warning by Beijing that hung severe punishments “including the death penalty” over support for independence.
As reported in one of the notices from Beijing which stated: “Leaders of independence efforts who cause serious harm to the state and the people” will risk execution; other high-profile advocates might receive sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The Taiwanese governmental position is that these newly issued regulations by China were unwarranted since it does not have jurisdiction over Taiwan while none of these rules are legally binding on Taiwanese citizens.
In another statement, MAC expressed disappointment with what it deemed as an inflammatory guideline earlier issued by Chinese officials which it described as regrettable. The council also added that this applies to any Taiwanese living in or planning to visit mainland China who is encouraged to stay vigilant always.
China has turned up pressure on advocates of Taiwanese independence maintaining that despite self-rule since 1949; it is still a part of their mainland territory. Increased international engagements with Taiwan coupled with attempts at isolating it diplomatically have led to further tensions.
There’s also been a lot of legal intimidation and economic pressure as examples of acts that were taken by the Chinese government in reaction to support for Taiwanese independence which it takes as a challenge to its own sovereignty.
