Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Photo: VCG

The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Monday announced the imposition of punishment measures on Shen Pao-yang and Robert Hsing-cheng Tsao, two key secessionist figures from island of Taiwan; along with Kuma Academy, an organization that propagates secessionist ideas and serves as a base for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

After careful verification of the clues submitted by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits regarding the die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists, the Taiwan Affairs Office decided to impose punishment measures on Shen, Tsao and the Kuma academy, said office spokesperson Chen Binhua.

Chen said that with backing from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and external forces, the Kuma Academy has openly fostered violent "Taiwan independence" individuals under the guise of training and outdoor activities. He added that the academy has actively engaged in separatist activities, making it a clear stronghold for "Taiwan independence" elements.

Shen, the head of the academy, has been actively and systematically organizing activities promoting "Taiwan independence." He has also deliberately promoted "Taiwan independence" and "anti-China" ideologies, particularly targeting the young people in Taiwan.

Tsao, a businessman from the island, has provided substantial financial support to the academy, supporting its activities to divide the country by spreading harmful ideologies of "opposing China and seeking independence" through various means.

"The two individuals have openly pursued efforts to divide the country and fuel discord, seriously threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and causing significant harm to the common interests of people across the Strait, as well as the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation," Chen said.

Chen said that the mainland has decided to include Shen and Tsao in the list of die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists, and impose sanctions on the Kuma Academy, as well as Shen and Tsao. 

These measures include prohibiting Shen, Tsao, and their family members from entering the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions; restricting the Kuma Academy and the associated institutions of Shen and Tsao from cooperating with relevant organizations and individuals in the mainland, while prohibiting their affiliated enterprises and financial backers from profiting within the mainland. 

Furthermore, necessary punitive measures will be taken in accordance with guidelines on imposing criminal punishments on die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists for conducting or inciting secession, and they will be held accountable for life according to the law.

Chen emphasized that the mainland will not tolerate or show leniency for die-hard 'Taiwan independence' separatists or bases with malicious "independence" rhetoric and rampant "independence" activities. They will be dealt with heavy blow and harsh penalties. Public, especially the Taiwan compatriots, are welcome to continue providing new clues regarding criminal activities related to conducting or inciting secession by the Kuma Academy, Shen, and Tsao.

Chen stated that facing the historical trend of national rejuvenation and reunification, "Taiwan independence" separatists will inevitably face painful price for their actions. "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Straits are as incompatible as fire and water.

Chen hopes that the vast number of Taiwan compatriots will become aware, recognize the extreme danger and harm of "Taiwan independence," actively distance themselves from the Kuma Academy and die-hard" Taiwan independence" separatists like Shen and Tsao, resolutely oppose the separatist actions of "Taiwan independence," and join hands with their mainland compatriots to promote cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development, safeguarding the common homeland of the Chinese nation and bringing enduring benefits to both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Global Times