Zhu Fenglian Photo: Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

 Any "Taiwan independence" elements who break the law will be subject to all necessary punitive measures wherever they are, and will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday in response to a question about Taipei Bar Association issuing a statement rejecting the mainland's listing of local prosecutor as an accomplice and henchman of "Taiwan independence" forces.
 
Taiwan belongs to China. Taking legal action against a very small number of die-hard "Taiwan independence" elements and their accomplices is a just act to safeguard national reunification and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and a necessary step to protect the common homeland of the Chinese nation and the fundamental interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, Zhu Fenglian, the spokesperson said. 

The prosecutor Chen Shuyi, described as a "green judicial enforcer," has been listed as an accomplice and henchman of "Taiwan independence" forces by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on January 7, and will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law.

On the same day, the office also added Liu Shih-fang and Cheng Ying-yao to its list of die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists, bringing the total number on this list to 14, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Both Liu and Cheng serve as officials in Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party. Liu heads Taiwan's internal affairs body, while Cheng oversees education.

During Wednesday's press conference, Zhu also rebutted to Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's claims regarding Liu, Cheng and Chen, which Lai claimed that he feels proud of anyone who is subjected to the so-called "cross-border suppression" and will absolutely "not allow China's hand to reach into Taiwan."

Zhu said that Taiwan is China's Taiwan. "Taiwan independence" elements are splitting the country and undermining cross-Straits relations. We will take all necessary punitive measures and hold them accountable for life in accordance with the law. 

"The crazier the 'Taiwan independence' moves, the tighter the anti-secession noose, and what awaits them is the judgment of justice and a fate of ruin and disgrace," the spokesperson added.

According to the previous introduction by the office, Liu blatantly propagates "Taiwan independence" rhetoric, suppresses Taiwan residents who support or participate in cross-Straits exchanges, persecutes mainland spouses living in Taiwan and creates obstacles to cross-Straits interactions, blocking cross-Straits people-to-people communication channels.

Cheng also brazenly peddles provocative rhetoric advocating "Taiwan independence" and has organized the compilation of "Taiwan independence" teaching materials, poisoning the minds of young people in Taiwan and hindering educational exchanges and cooperation across the Straits.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the mainland has decided to place Liu and Cheng on the list and to implement sanctions.

A series of actions announced by the Taiwan Affairs Office underscore the sanctity of the law, with "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to be subject to law enforcement and held accountable for life, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

According to the office, measures of sanctions include banning Liu, Cheng and their family members from entering the mainland as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and restricting their affiliated organizations from cooperating with mainland entities or individuals.

Sanctions also prevent any of their related companies or financial backers from seeking profits on the mainland. All other necessary punitive measures will be taken, and the two will be held legally accountable for life, per the office, Xinhua reported.

While those named individuals appeared to be putting on a calm front, Zheng believed that they should note that an invisible net is closing in on them as evidenced by the Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson's consistent remarks and subsequent supporting actions.