The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) announcement of a possible death penalty for Taiwanese “separatists” marks a disturbing escalation in its approach to cross-strait relations. This move undermines regional stability, poses a significant threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait and is a contradiction of its own stated goal of peaceful reunification.
The judicial guidelines, which took effect on June 21, allow for severe punishments, including the death penalty, for individuals China believes to be “die-hard” Taiwan independence supporters. These measures target those who form “secessionist organizations” or direct others to “carry out activities that split the state or undermine unity of the country.”
The guidelines specify crimes such as promoting Taiwan’s entry into international organizations where statehood is a requirement, and using one’s job or influence to “misrepresent or falsify the fact that Taiwan is part of China.” The guidelines include a broad clause for “other acts that seek to separate Taiwan from China,” which could be widely interpreted.
These guidelines potentially apply to a wide range of actions related to Taiwan’s international status and self-governance. Anyone engaging in activities that Beijing considers supportive of Taiwan’s independence could be targeted. Those deemed by PRC authorities as “ringleaders” might face severe penalties, including death sentences. The risk extends worldwide, as Beijing can attempt to extradite accused individuals from countries that have extradition agreements with China.
In recent years, China has enacted several laws to strengthen its surveillance and national security legal framework. The new judicial guidelines represent its latest move, which has been thinly veiled as a protective measure. In fact, it is escalating tensions and creating a chilling effect worldwide. Through these actions, China is further isolating itself from the international community.
In the past year alone, 15 Taiwanese have been detained or charged with crimes after entering China, while 51 have been interrogated by border officers, with the number increasing. Threats from national security laws and the latest judicial guidance not only jeopardize the lives and freedom of Taiwanese, but also pose a significant risk to peace in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
On Sept. 5, the Taiwanese government said that Yang Chih-yuan (楊智淵), a Taiwanese activist, had been sentenced to nine years in prison by a court in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou for “separatism.” This unprecedented sentence prompted the Mainland Affairs Council to warn Taiwanese about the dangers of traveling across the strait. This case clearly demonstrates the real and immediate threat China’s new judicial guidelines pose.
As a cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I joined my fellow cochairs in issuing a statement strongly condemning the new guidelines. We emphasized that “these guidelines will have a severe chilling effect on exchanges with China and represent a destabilizing policy approach to cross-Strait relations.”
China should engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan rather than resorting to dangerous and provocative threats, which would not achieve a peaceful resolution to cross-strait differences. The US Department of State has also expressed concern regarding China’s intentions to extraterritorially apply PRC law and intimidate people from speaking their mind about the situation across the strait.
Maintaining dialogue with both Beijing and Taipei is critical to de-escalating tensions. As a member of the first congressional delegation to visit Taiwan after the January elections, I met with President William Lai (賴清德), followed by a meeting a few months later with representatives from the Chinese National People’s Congress in Washington.
With these interactions, I have emphasized the US’ unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Maintaining open dialogue is critical to reduce the risk of misperceptions from veering into conflict.
China’s threat to impose the death penalty on Taiwan “separatists” is a dangerous and unacceptable escalation that threatens the peaceful dialogue required for the successful resolution of cross-strait issues. It is not just the death penalty, but the guidelines as a whole that pose a significant risk to regional stability.
I will continue to oppose any PRC attempts to isolate or threaten Taiwan. I urge the international community to condemn these actions and to support efforts to maintain cross-strait peace and stability.
US Congressman Ami Bera is a senior member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus.
The cancelation this week of President William Lai’s (賴清德) state visit to Eswatini, after the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius revoked overflight permits under Chinese pressure, is one more measure of Taiwan’s shrinking executive diplomatic space. Another channel that deserves attention keeps growing while the first contracts. For several years now, Taipei has been one of Europe’s busiest legislative destinations. Where presidents and foreign ministers cannot land, parliamentarians do — and they do it in rising numbers. The Italian parliament opened the year with its largest bipartisan delegation to Taiwan to date: six Italian deputies and one senator, drawn from six
Recently, Taipei’s streets have been plagued by the bizarre sight of rats running rampant and the city government’s countermeasures have devolved into an anti-intellectual farce. The Taipei Parks and Street Lights Office has attempted to eradicate rats by filling their burrows with polyurethane foam, seeming to believe that rats could not simply dig another path out. Meanwhile, as the nation’s capital slowly deteriorates into a rat hive, the Taipei Department of Environmental Protection has proudly pointed to the increase in the number of poisoned rats reported in February and March as a sign of success. When confronted with public concerns over young
Taiwan and India are important partners, yet this reality is increasingly being overshadowed in current debates. At a time when Taiwan-India relations are at a crossroads, with clear potential for deeper engagement and cooperation, the labor agreement signed in February 2024 has become a source of friction. The proposal to bring in 1,000 migrant workers from India is already facing significant resistance, with a petition calling for its “indefinite suspension” garnering more than 40,000 signatures. What should have been a straightforward and practical step forward has instead become controversial. The agreement had the potential to serve as a milestone in
China has long given assurances that it would not interfere in free access to the global commons. As one Ministry of Defense spokesperson put it in 2024, “the Chinese side always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to countries under international law.” Although these reassurances have always been disingenuous, China’s recent actions display a blatant disregard for these principles. Countries that care about civilian air safety should take note. In April, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) canceled a planned trip to Eswatini for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s coronation and the 58th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic
RSS