Beijing confirms missing Taiwan publisher Li Yanhe is under national security investigation
A Taiwanese publisher reported missing while visiting Shanghai is under investigation for suspected national security crimes, Chinese authorities said Wednesday.
Li Yanhe, the editor-in-chief of Gusa Publishing, is “under investigation by national security organs on suspicion of engaging in activities endangering national security,” Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference.
“The relevant parties will protect (Li’s) legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law,” she said.
Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen — who regards the island as an independent nation and not part of “one China” — including by arresting several Taiwanese nationals.
Beijing’s confirmation of Li’s detention comes a day after Chinese authorities formally pressed secession charges against Taiwanese activist Yang Chih-yuan, leader of a minor political party advocating for the island’s formal independence.
Chiu Tai-san, head of the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan’s top policy-making body on China, warned on Wednesday of “long-arm jurisdiction” by Beijing.
“There is the smell of intimidation in this and it’s a show of suppression by them,” Chiu said at a parliament session, adding that Taiwanese authorities were “offering necessary assistance” to Li and Yang’s families.
Local media also quoted Chiu as saying that Li’s mother, sister and wife have been “warned” by Chinese authorities, without elaborating.
China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary.
Related articles
Tamara Ecclestone is criticised as her daughter Fifi, 10, heads out wearing heavy make
Tamara Ecclestone has been criticised after her 10-year-old daughter Fifi headed out wearing heavy m2024-05-22G20 Summit to be held in Bali, Indonesia
This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2022 shows an interior view of the media center for the upcoming 17th G2024-05-22IAEA chief calls for "maximum restraint" over Zaporizhzhia attacks
Photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a special meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Aust2024-05-22UN urges maximum restraint amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel
UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN General Assembly P2024-05-22Rishi Sunak to apologise for worst treatment disaster in NHS history
Rishi Sunak will apologise to infected-blood victims today, as a devastating report blames successiv2024-05-22UN chief calls for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) speaks during an emergency meeting of UN Security C2024-05-22
atest comment