Taiwan News reported that China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) plans to “penalize” five Taiwanese TV commentators for their criticisms of China. During a press briefing, TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua announced that China intends to sanction these commentators, namely Wang Yi-chuan, Edward Huang, Lee Cheng-hao, Yu Pei-chen, and Liu Baojie.
According to Taiwan News, Chen also accused the commentators of intentionally creating untrue and negative narratives about China, which he claimed had led to increased tensions between Taiwan and China.
He stated that their misleading statements had misled some Taiwanese citizens, fueled animosity and conflicts between the two sides, and caused distress among compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Chen mentioned that Beijing plans to take legal action to penalize the five individuals and their families.
Chen emphasized the importance of not remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing, stating that to do so is unjust and harmful to morality. He reiterated that public opinion must adhere to the law, highlighting that any actions involving fabrications, spreading of rumors, disruption of social order, and harm to national dignity and interests will face legal consequences, as reported by Taiwan News.
When asked about the specific sanctions and whether Taiwan’s commitment to freedom of speech might further distance it from China, Chen pointed to China’s past actions against Taiwan’s push for independence. He stressed that freedom of speech does not exempt individuals from the law and should not be used as a shield for misconduct.
According to Taiwan News, past actions by China against Taiwanese pro-independence individuals included bans on them and their families from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as restrictions on their associated organizations collaborating with China-linked entities or individuals. Additionally, their affiliated businesses and sponsors were barred from profiting in China. These measures were reported by Yahoo News.
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin reaffirmed Taiwan’s democratic status and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech. Lin emphasized that China has no authority to intervene, as reported by Taiwan News.
In response, Lin stated that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of threatened Taiwanese individuals. She highlighted China’s historical lack of confidence in its institutions, noting their ongoing use of suppression and threats against dissenting voices, both domestically and internationally, as reported by Taiwan News.
Lin criticized China’s leaders for extending their control over democratic freedoms to Taiwan by targeting media personnel and their families. She condemned this behavior as arbitrary and domineering, further damaging China’s global reputation.
Furthermore, Lin urged China to embrace the values of freedom, democracy, and diversity, aligning with Taiwanese society for improved cross-strait relations and the betterment of both peoples. She emphasized that mutual respect and a pragmatic approach to promoting exchanges are essential for enhancing the well-being of individuals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.