Mainland calls out hypocrisy of 'Taiwan independence' separatists

A Chinese mainland spokesman said on Friday that the mainland will never allow diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists or their relatives to invest or conduct business for profit on the mainland.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated that the mainland will not permit those who support "Taiwan independence" and undermine cross-Strait relations to make money on the mainland while simultaneously engaging in acts that "bite the hand that feeds them".

He made the remarks in response to recent reports that relatives of Liu Shyh-fang, head of Taiwan's "internal affairs" authority, have been investing and profiting on the mainland and have provided her with political donations.

Chen said the mainland has taken note of the reports and is handling the matter in accordance with laws and regulations.

Liu, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, was added to the mainland's list of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists in January. At a news conference on Jan 7, Chen said Liu had been openly promoting "Taiwan independence" rhetoric, suppressing Taiwan residents who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges and creating obstacles to such interactions.

"'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, and pursuing it harms both others and oneself," he said.

He further stated that diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists are morally corrupt and driven solely by profit, which he described as "despicable".

"'Taiwan independence' separatists, along with the enterprises and individuals who support them, undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and harm the interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait," Chen said, adding that they will be severely punished.

He called on Taiwan compatriots to recognize the hypocrisy and true nature of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists, consciously distance themselves from them, firmly oppose separatist activities, and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

According to Hong Kong-based newspaper Wen Wei Po, Liu accepted political donations from relatives who made money on the mainland, engaging in a double standard of "permitting her relatives to make 'red money' while forbidding ordinary people from engaging in cross-Strait exchanges".