Mainland imposes sanctions on companies tied to Taiwan separatists

The Chinese mainland respects and protects Taiwan compatriots' rights to freedom of speech and expression, while leaving no room for ambiguity on fundamental principles, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to recent controversy over Taiwan entertainer Tsai Kang-yong, also known as Kevin Tsai, attending the inauguration ceremony of the campaign headquarters of Shen Pao-yang, the Democratic Progressive Party candidate for the Taipei mayoral election.

Chen emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the one-China principle remains the political foundation for cross-Strait relations. He said the actions of Shen, whom the mainland has labeled a diehard "Taiwan independence" separatist, are widely known. "Any form of 'Taiwan independence' separatist activity constitutes a serious violation of the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and we firmly oppose all such activities," Chen said.

Tsai, 64, has been active on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as a host and writer in recent years, participating in a number of mainland-based shows. Following his appearance at Shen's campaign event on Oct 4, several mainland companies announced that they would end their cooperation with Tsai and remove related content.

Chen said the mainland respects and protects Taiwan compatriots' legitimate rights to freedom of speech and expression, but stressed that there can be no ambiguity on issues of principle.

"No individual or force can seek to benefit from the mainland's development while at the same time colluding with 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," Chen said, describing such individuals as "two-faced".

Shen, founder of the Kuma Academy in Taiwan, has promoted separatist ideologies on the island. After being identified by the mainland as a diehard "Taiwan independence" separatist, he was prohibited from entering the mainland, and organizations affiliated with him were restricted from cooperating with the mainland.

A recent investigation found that Shen's father, Shen Tu-cheng, continued trade and business cooperation with relevant mainland enterprises under the name of a new company, VWAY, after his original company was sanctioned in June last year. Chen accused Shen of repeatedly advocating "anti-China" positions while obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, while at the same time working with relatives to seek profits from the mainland, calling such actions "disgraceful".

"The mainland will not allow enterprises associated with diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists to seek profits on the mainland," Chen said, adding that the mainland has decided to impose sanctions on VWAY and take necessary measures, including prohibiting the company from conducting any transactions or cooperation with mainland organizations, enterprises, and individuals.