TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The U.S. State Department Tuesday (June 24) “strongly condemned” China for imposing draconian punishments for “Taiwan independence die-hards.”
On Friday (June 21), China issued “22 Opinions" on punishing Taiwan independence activists allowing for trial in absentia, with the maximum penalty being the death sentence.
During a Tuesday press briefing, a reporter mentioned China's recent moves. The journalist noted President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said “democracy is not a crime” and that China “has no right to punish” the Taiwanese for expressing their views and asked for the U.S. stance on the matter.
U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "So we strongly condemn the escalatory and destabilizing language and actions from PRC officials.” He said the U.S. urges restraint and no unilateral change in the status quo.
Miller called on China to engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan. He warned, "Threats and legal warfare will not achieve peaceful resolution to cross-strait differences.”