After targeting independence supporters, President of Taiwan: China has no right to punish our people

Taiwanese President Lai Cheng-te said on Monday that China "does not have the right to punish" Taiwanese, after Beijing on Friday included the death penalty among new criminal measures targeting supporters of Taiwan independence.

China always affirms that Taiwan, which has self-rule, is an integral part of its territory and does not rule out resorting to force to restore it, if necessary. Official media reported that Beijing published on Friday new judicial guidelines that provide for the death penalty in “serious” cases targeting... “Fanatical” supporters of Taiwan independence.

In response to a question about judicial sanctions, Lai said on Monday: “I want to emphasize that democracy is not the root of the crime. Tyranny is the root of the crime,” adding that “China does not have the right to punish the people of Taiwan for what they stand for,” stressing that China “does not have the right to punish the people of Taiwan for what they stand for.” The right to prosecute Taiwanese outside its borders.

Lai pointed out that relations between the two sides would deteriorate if “(China) does not accept the existence of the Republic of China (the official name of Taiwan) and does not conduct exchanges and dialogues with the legitimate and democratically elected Taiwanese government,” and explained: “This is the right way to improve the well-being of people on both sides.” Taiwan Strait, the 180-kilometre-long waterway separating Taiwan and China.

Days after the inauguration of Taiwan's president last month, China conducted military maneuvers around the island in response to a speech by Lai that Beijing considered a "recognition of Taiwan's independence." Lai, whom China considers a "dangerous separatist," said that it is not necessary for Taiwan to officially declare its independence. Because it is “truly independent.”

Within 48 hours, China mobilized warships, planes, soldiers and missile launchers in a simulated encirclement of the island. After the military maneuvers at the end of May, Beijing pledged to continue military pressure on the island “as long as provocations related to Taiwanese independence continue,” while the Taiwanese army announced on Monday that it had monitored 23 military aircraft and 7 Chinese ships around the island within 24 hours.