China urged Taiwanese to visit “without the slightest fear” the continent and castigated the decision of the island authorities to raise their travel alert level, after threats from Beijing targeting the separatists.
Beijing announced last week new judicial guidelines, including the death penalty, for cases “particularly serious” of supporters “irreducible” of the independence of Taiwan – an island claimed by the Chinese authorities.
In response, the island government on Thursday called on the Taiwanese to avoid all “unnecessary travel” in mainland China and Hong Kong. It also raised its travel warning to orange, the second-highest level.
Bilateral relations have been terrible since 2016
A decision criticized by Beijing. The new Chinese directives “target only the very small number of supporters of ‘Taiwan independence’, with malicious actions and words”reacted Friday evening Zhu Fenglian, the spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office – an organ of the Chinese government.
“The vast majority of Taiwanese compatriots who participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation need not have the slightest fear when coming to or leaving from mainland China.she assured. They can come with enthusiasm and leave fully satisfied with their stay.”
Bilateral relations have been execrable since 2016 and the arrival of Tsai Ing-wen as president of the island, then of her successor Lai Ching-te, both members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) – a movement traditionally pro-independence and as such hated by Beijing.
“The PDP authorities are inventing pretexts” pour “hinder trade” et “incite confrontation and clash”Chinese spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said Friday in response to the travel warning.
