(RepublicanJournal.org) – Taiwan gained its independence in 1949 when it broke away following a civil war with China. Since then, it’s maintained its sovereignty, though the mainland still claims ownership over the island. A recent comment from Chinese officials caused Taiwan to issue a travel advisory.
Countries issue a travel advisory when there’s danger associated with taking a trip — personal or business — to another nation. On Friday, June 21, China issued a threat to impose the death penalty on “separatists” who support Taiwan’s independence. It established new guidelines it says are in accordance with laws on the books.
Those guidelines allow for China’s prosecutors, security bodies, and courts to “severely punish Taiwan independent diehards for splitting the country and inciting secession crimes.” Nearly a week later, Liang Wen-chieh, a spokesman for Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council issued a warning to Taiwanese citizens not to travel to the mainland.
The island’s new president, Lai Ching-te said China “has absolutely no right to sanction Taiwan’s people just because of the positions they hold.” He further called on the mainland “to face up to the existence of the Republic of China,” using Taiwan’s official name. Lai has tried to engage the mainland in talks since he was elected but has been shunned on every attempt.
The comments from both sides are likely to increase tensions. China has accused Lai of staging war games after his win, and the mainland has made no secret of its dislike for him, putting him in the same category as those it threatened to execute — a separatist.
China has dialed up its activity around the island this year, too. It has upped its coast guard patrols and slapped trade sanctions on Taiwan. It has threatened to take it back by force many times over the years, especially recently due to increasing US involvement.
Copyright 2024, RepublicanJournal.org
