However, Taiwanese “fellow travelers” of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) who oppose Taiwanese independence and promote unification are keen to speak on the Chinese government’s behalf. The song and dance made by “fellow travelers” on both sides of the Taiwan Strait stems from their shared nationalistic tendencies. On June 21, China issued “22 guidelines” about punishing Taiwanese independence activists, with severe penalties, including the death sentence. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said that the Chinese authorities would track down “die-hard Taiwan independence separatists” wherever they might be. Times have changed, and Beijing has long since denied the existence of the median line of the Taiwan Strait or any tacit agreement that such a line exists.

Source: Taipei Times July 17, 2024 21:48 UTC