Mainland spokesman criticizes Taiwan security law amendment

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday accused Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities of escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and intensifying what he called "green terror."

Peng Qing'en, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news conference that the Lai Ching-te authorities have deliberately stirred up "anti-mainland" sentiment and sought to pursue "independence" by relying on external forces and military means, actions he said have continuously worsened cross-Strait tensions.

Peng was responding to a media question about a draft amendment to Taiwan's so-called security act that was approved by the island's "executive yuan" last Thursday.

The amendment bans publicly advocating, in any form, that foreign countries or the mainland use war or other non-peaceful means against Taiwan. Violators could face fines of up to NT$1 million ($31,800). The amendment also stipulates that penalties for active-duty military personnel or civil servants who intentionally violate the provision may be increased by up to one-half.

Peng said the move represents a concrete step under the DPP authorities' so-called "17 strategies," which he claimed are aimed at escalating cross-Strait confrontation, undermining exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, and creating a "chilling effect" through what he described as intensified "green terror." He said the measures serve an agenda of "Taiwan independence authoritarianism" and a "green dictatorship."

Peng called on Taiwan residents to recognize the serious dangers and harmful consequences of the Lai authorities' "Taiwan independence" path and to oppose any attempt to push the Taiwan Strait toward war.