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
Marquette athletic director Bill Scholl plans to retire as he ends a decade
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Marquette athletic director Bill Scholl says he plans to retire and end his decade-2024-05-08Chinese commerce minister meets with WTO director
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO2024-05-08U.S. ports remain confident in China
Amid mounting scrutiny and an executive order over "national security" concerns surrounding Chinese-2024-05-08China to build up airport hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
China's Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has vowed to strengthen international connecti2024-05-082024 NHL draft lottery: Sharks win right to No. 1 pick for 1st time in team history
Mike Grier was so elated over winning the NHL draft lottery on Tuesday night, the San Jose Sharks ge2024-05-08Young entrepreneurs taking to world of AI
SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILYStartups bring wide range of fresh business opportunitiesA platform powered by2024-05-08
atest comment