China ‘Sanctions’ Two Taiwanese Pro-Democracy Organizations

Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday announced punishments on organizations related to die-hard elements seeking "Taiwan independence."

“Under the guise of democracy and cooperation and development, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) and International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) have wantonly carried out ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities in the international arena. They have gone all out to ingratiate themselves with external anti-China forces,” Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the office.

The heightened tensions between China and Taiwan comes two days after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan. Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. official to make an official visit to the island nation since former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.

China responded visibly by sending 21 warplanes, including more than a dozen fighter jets, through Taiwan's air defense zone the same day. Beijing has called her visit a “provocation” and has also kicked off a series of live fire military drills from August 4-6 in six different areas that encircle the island from all directions. PLA Eastern Theater Command Rocket Force on Thursday launched conventional missiles to designated sea regions east of Taiwan, “accurately hitting targets.”

“They (TFD and ICDF) have also attacked and smeared the mainland, and used money and other means as bait to expand the so-called ‘international space’ of Taiwan, attempting to undermine the international support for the one-China principle,” Ma said.

The mainland has decided to take punitive measures against the above-mentioned foundations, banning them from cooperating with mainland organizations, enterprises or individuals.

The mainland will also punish, in accordance with the law, organizations, enterprises or individuals that offer funds or services to the foundations, and take other necessary measures, Ma said.

The mainland will prohibit mainland organizations, enterprises or individuals from any transaction or cooperation with Speedtech Energy, Hyweb Technology, Skyla, SkyEyes GPS Technology and other enterprises that have donated money to the foundations. Heads of relevant enterprises will be banned from entering the mainland, Ma said.