China Threatens Harsh Punishments for Supporting Taiwanese Independence
Last week, China issued new legal guidelines which impose severe punishments, up to and including the death penalty, for supporting Taiwanese independence. These “guiding opinions” are a troubling step towards legislating thought crime. The guidelines cover a broad spectrum of activities and can be applied retroactively and in absentia, allowing the Chinese government to target individuals beyond its borders and after the fact, which presents significant risks for Taiwanese nationals and those of other nationalities. In particular, it targets those who organize others or advocate for Taiwanese independence, and increases the penalty for those associated with “foreign organizations.” Advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations is also included as a crime.
The new guidelines are likely intended to create a chilling effect on domestic activism, send a message to the international community, and increase the pressure on Taiwan since its election of President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing describes as a separatist. With judicial extradition agreements with 50 countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia, Taiwanese individuals in these regions face potential detention and extradition to the PRC. Moreover, the broad and retroactive definition of "Taiwanese independence" means that even foreigners or Chinese nationals abroad could be targeted. This move, seen as political cleansing, also suggests that China is preparing for potential conflict with Taiwan, raising the risk of military confrontation. President Lai Ching-te chastised the move as invalid, arguing that China “has no right to sanction Taiwanese people for their political opinions or pursue prosecution across borders,” and urged China to “choose dialogue” with the Taiwanese government.
HRIC believes it is imperative to continue pressing China on human rights issues to prevent further escalation and erosion of fundamental freedoms. The international community must stand united in supporting freedom of expression and advocating for the protection of human rights. By doing so, we can work towards a future where freedom of thought and expression are safeguarded, and authoritarian regimes are held accountable for their actions. It is crucial to address these issues now before they escalate further and cause irreversible damage to the global human rights landscape.