China to Hold 'Stubborn Taiwan Independence' Supporters Criminally Liable - Sputnik International

Chinese authorities have criticised western countries for "meddling" in their internal affairs, as tensions around Taiwan have been escalating over the past few weeks.

Beijing stated on Friday that the Chinese authorities will ban people who are "pro-Taiwan independence" from entering mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau.

"The [Chinese] authorities, in accordance with the law, will impose disciplinary sanctions on reluctant supporters of Taiwan independence, and will prohibit them and their families from entering mainland China, as well as the special administrative regions of Xianggang [Hong Kong] and Aomen [Macau]", a representative of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Friday.

The said people will be criminally liable for life, and they won't be able to "benefit monetarily from the mainland", an official statement said.

The situation around Taiwan has become more challenging over the past few weeks, as Washington pledged to protect the island in case of any aggression against it, and announced $2 billion in military aid to Taipei. At the same time, Taiwan confirmed the presence of American troops on its territory.