Guidelines impose criminal penalties on 'staunch supporters of Taiwan independence'
China DailyChinese authorities have released a set of guidelines on imposing criminal penalties on those staunch supporters of "Taiwan independence" for engaging in or inciting separatist activities. The document said that a small number of die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists conducted activities that seriously endanger the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, as well as harm the common interests of compatriots on both sides and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. The guidelines define criminal acts of splitting the country to include initiating or establishing "Taiwan independence" separatist organizations, implementing separatist actions, attempting to change Taiwan's legal status as part of China through amendments to Taiwan's regulations or "referendums". The guidelines consider crimes such as advocating for Taiwan's entry into international organizations limited to sovereign states or engaging in official exchanges and military contacts abroad to create the "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" in the international community.