By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 14, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council announced disciplinary actions against Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Black Bear Academy.” This update marks the first revision of the “Taiwan independence” stubborn elements list since Lai Ching-te took office, bringing the total to 12 individuals since the initial list was published in 2021.
In interviews with reporters from the China News Service, several scholars emphasized the significance of this update as an important step in legally punishing “Taiwan independence” forces. They noted that it forms part of a series of coordinated actions against separatist provocations, which they believe will serve as a strong deterrent.
Regarding the legal ramifications, Zhang Wensheng, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, pointed out that the current update aligns with the “Opinions on Punishing ‘Taiwan Independence’ Stubborn Elements,” issued by multiple mainland departments in June. This move reflects a commitment to take a firm stance against any activities promoting “Taiwan independence.”
Zhu Songling, Director of the Political Science Institute at Beijing Union University, highlighted that the addition of Shen and Cao to the list, along with the public announcement of specific sanctions, demonstrates a continued effort to strengthen legal measures against separatist forces. He elaborated that Shen, Cao, and the “Black Bear Academy” represent a distinct operational model for “Taiwan independence,” using various formats such as lectures and workshops to instill separatist ideology while perpetuating a culture of violence among the younger generation in Taiwan. The sanctions serve not only as a personal reprimand but also as a serious warning against such actions.
Wang Hailiang, Director of the Shanghai East Asia Institute, noted that Cao Xingcheng is the first business figure to be included on the list, highlighting his financial support for the “Black Bear Academy” and direct investments in cultural projects promoting “Taiwan independence.”
Zhang reiterated that the message from mainland authorities is clear: any individual, whether in politics or business, who crosses the “Taiwan independence” red line and provokes the mainland may find themselves on the list of those facing penalties.
Following Lai Ching-te’s speech on “Double Tenth Day,” the mainland has implemented a series of actions against separatism. Notably, on the morning of the 14th, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army conducted the “Joint Sword – 2024B” exercise. Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce announced it is researching further measures based on findings from investigations into trade barriers with Taiwan.
Zhu emphasized that the mainland is taking a multi-faceted approach, including military, economic, and legal measures, to counter “Taiwan independence.” The list of individuals facing penalties may continue to grow as radical separatists become more aggressive in their actions.
Wang clarified that the mainland’s punitive measures target only a small number of individuals whose actions and rhetoric are severe and pervasive in promoting “Taiwan independence,” explicitly stating that these actions do not threaten the broader population of Taiwan.
Zhu reminded that many individuals in Taiwan remain vital participants and beneficiaries of cross-strait exchanges and development. Zhang further noted that Taiwanese citizens who distance themselves from “Taiwan independence” and differentiate themselves from stubborn advocates of such ideas will not be subjected to these punitive measures.