A precise, legal strike on 'Taiwan independence' separatists
China DailyTaipei 101 Tower, a landmark in Taipei, Taiwan, is seen in this photo. With a set of judicial guidelines targeting diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists, China on Friday revealed a new weapon, precise and legal, to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The guidelines on imposing criminal punishments on diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists for conducting or inciting secession were jointly issued by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the ministries of public security, state security, and justice and took effect upon release. By clarifying the criminal nature of "Taiwan independence" separatist acts, their criminal liabilities, and the procedure to impose penalties, it draws the bottom line and facilitates law enforcement. This move came against a backdrop of escalating tensions across the Strait triggered by repeated separatist attempts made by those advocating "Taiwan independence," particularly since the island's new leader Lai Ching-te, who holds a stubborn separatist stance, took office in May.