China has no right to punish those who stand up for Taiwan's independence. This was stated by President Lai Ching-Te on Monday after China announced last week that the death penalty could be applicable to "leaders" of independence movements that "cause particularly serious harm to the state and the people".
China has no right to punish Taiwan's population for what they stand up for. China has no right to conduct cross-border legal proceedings against Taiwanese people, says Lai.
China views self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory and has stated that it will take over the island eventually – by force if necessary.
In May, China held a military exercise near Taiwan, three days after Taiwan's elected president Lai Ching-Te was sworn in. China has branded the president as a "dangerous separatist" and "troublemaker".
