Chinese mainland sanctions Taiwan institution, two individuals

China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Monday announced sanctions against one institution in the Taiwan region and two individuals with links to it. 

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Kuma Academy blatantly cultivates "violent Taiwan independent elements" and openly engages in separatist activities under the guise of lecture, training and even parent-child activities.

Chen said 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 Pao-yang, 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.

Robert Hsing-cheng 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 Straits and causing significant harm to the common interests of people across the Straits, as well as the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation," Chen said.

The mainland has decided to include Shen and Tsao on the list of obstinate "Taiwan independence" separatists and impose punishments on them and the Kuma Academy, Chen said.

The punishments include banning Shen and Tsao and their families from entering the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and restricting the Kuma Academy and any institutions related to the academy, Shen or Tsao from working with organizations or individuals on the mainland, according to Chen.

Their associated businesses and financial sponsors will also be strictly prohibited from profiting in the mainland.

According to the relevant regulations, the mainland will adopt all other necessary punitive measures and hold them accountable for life, said Chen.

Chen stressed that the mainland will never tolerate any die-hard separatists or bases for "Taiwan independence" and will maintain a tough stance on them. "Taiwan independence" elements will ultimately pay a heavy price for their actions.

Chen called on Taiwan compatriots to remain vigilant, consciously distance themselves from stubborn "Taiwan independence" forces and firmly oppose separatist activities.

He also called on them to work with compatriots on the mainland to promote cross-Straits exchanges and integrated development and safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation.  

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: A file photo of Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. /CFP)