TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hong Kong's pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao (大公報) reported that the Chinese government is planning to make a list of obstinate criminals who "blatantly voice support for pro-Taiwan independence," and the list will allegedly include those financing related activities.

People familiar with the matter in Beijing were cited as saying that the communist regime is set to publish the list in accordance with the 2005 Anti-Secession Law and the 2015 National Security Law of the People's Republic of China. The "criminals" will be deemed to have committed a felony and could face life imprisonment in China.

Individuals "making outrageous pro-Taiwan independence statements, seeking Taiwan independence, and financing separatist activities" will be subject to harsh penalties with no statute of limitations, Ta Kung Pao reported.

The report did not say whether foreign nationals voicing support for Taiwan's independence would be placed on the list.

In response to the ominous development, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) told CNA on Sunday (Nov. 15) that the move was meant to intimidate people who hold different opinions. The MAC expressed strong disapproval of the list and criticized the idea as "too extreme" and as one that might undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"Taiwanese will not compromise in the face of these threats and will continue to safeguard our values of freedom and democracy... If the report is true, the list will only backfire," the MAC's statement read.

Ta Kung Pao's report on Beijing's "wanted list" for supporters of Taiwan independence. (Ta Kung Pao website screenshot)