Taiwan secessionists will ultimately have to pay the price for their crime: China Daily editorial

The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee put seven Taiwan politicians on its sanctions list on Tuesday. Hsiao Bi-khim, the representative of the island's secession-desiring Democratic Progressive Party authorities in the United States, and the other six certainly know that they have only themselves to blame for this.

It was their servile and shameful roles in receiving visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month, and making the irresponsible move possible, that secured them a place on the list alongside Su Tseng-chang, Joseph Wu and You Si-kun, all senior officials of the island's independence-touting authorities, who were put on the list late last year.

Compared with the entry ban to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, the prohibition against firms and funds related to them dealing with entities and individuals on the mainland and in Hong Kong and Macao is of more immediate practical effect as Taiwan politicians usually have inextricable links with corporations and consortiums.

The sanctioning sends a clear signal to the business community of Taiwan that they have to cut ties with "Taiwan independence" diehards if they value their operations on the mainland.

Those listed face lifetime criminal liability for their secessionism. Although that might seem irrelevant at the moment, it signifies that once national reunification is realized, be it through peaceful means or by force, these rotten apples will be dealt with according to the law. A necessary step to ensure a healthy political environment on the island and pave the way for the implementation of "one country, two systems".

The seven have gone to great lengths to seem carefree about being listed — Lin Fei-fan, deputy head of the DPP, claimed it was an honor to be added to the list — but all those on the list have already convicted themselves by what they have done.

That the approval rate of the Tsai Ing-wen administration on the island has fallen 7 percentage points this month following its high-profile receptions of a series of distinguished guests led by Pelosi unmistakably indicates Taiwan compatriots are not happy with it cozying up to Washington.

There was a sharp decline of 19.8 percentage points in her administration's support among young people aged between 20 and 24, a group whose support Tsai has taken for granted.

They know there is no justification in seeking independence and that the island does not have the capacity to resist reunification by force, should that prove necessary.

The majority of the international community also recognize that the mainland has right as well as might on its side.

The cocoon the mainland has weaved for the diehard separatists is closing up. None will escape their crime with impunity.