China threatens ‘diehard’ Taiwan independence leaders with death penalty as tensions rise after chilling invasion drills

CHINA has delivered a disturbing threat to those fighting for Taiwan’s independence, promising the death penalty as punishment.

As of today Beijing is vowing to use the inhumane punishment for “diehard” advocates and leaders of Taiwan’s never-ending fight for freedom.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use its military might to reclaim it with force

Reuters

Taiwan’s navy patrol the waters between the island and China[/caption]

China has long conducted terrifying invasion drills around Taiwan

The Taiwanese military has been preparing for a potential Chinese attack by bolstering up their defences in recent months

It comes amid a period of rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, as China ramps up its unnerving invasion drills across the water.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua said on Friday that the government had published a notice on punishing “‘Taiwan independence’ diehards for splitting the country and inciting secession”.

The death penalty will be considered for “ringleaders” of the efforts to secure Taiwan’s independence.

Beijing is claiming they “cause particularly serious harm to the state and the people”.

Taiwan has long been subjected to threats of invasion by China, whose ruling party believes the island belongs to them.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has vowed to take it ‘back’ – even if they have to use force.

After the election of Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching Te last year, Beijing ramped up its onslaught of invasion drills around the island.

Just days ago it threatened to “crush” any attempts made by Taiwan to break away from its so-called “motherland”.

Chinese Defence chief Dong Jun slammed “dangerous separatists” in Taiwan before declaring that his military is ready to “forcefully” engage in war.

The vow came just a week after more terrifying Chinese invasion drills – when a propaganda video showed Taiwan being blitzed with missiles.

Today’s death penalty policy specifically singles out attempts to “change Taiwan’s legal status as a part of China”.

It aims to eliminate those who encourage other people to “carry out activities that split the state”.

Chinese official Sun Ping warned that it means “the sharp sword of legal action will always hang high” over those targeted by the new policy, People’s Daily reported.

Beijing’s defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian has warned: “Since taking office, the leader of the Taiwan region has seriously challenged the one-China principle.

“Pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a perilous situation of war and danger.

“This is purely playing with fire, and those who play with fire will surely get themselves burnt.”

And over the last two days China has sent a whopping 66 warplanes into Taiwanese airspace, Bloomberg reports.

Some reports suggest China could isolate the island, destroy its economy and force it to become part of China without ever resorting to dynamic warfare.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a US-based think tank, has said “gray zone” tactics could be used to achieve Beijing’s long-awaited goal of possessing Taiwan.

It would involve China’s navy cutting off access to Taiwanese ports for vital supplies, with military forces only acting in support roles.

Such a plot would also make it harder for western countries to intervene and help Taiwan – as overt firepower would not be used.

China released a disturbing propaganda video in May showing missiles being pelted at Taiwan

AFP

Taiwanese armoured vehicles roll down a street in Kinmen[/caption]

Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping[/caption]