Hours after it fined the Far Eastern Group for a number of violations, China said it will punish businesses and individuals who support Taiwan independence.
"We welcome Taiwan-based enterprises to invest and develop in the mainland and will continue to protect their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law," said the spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office. We will not allow anyone to make money on the mainland if they support Taiwan independence or damage cross-Straits relations.
She said that they must be punished in accordance with the law.
There are penalties on Taiwanese Far Eastern Group's subsidiaries in China if they support the island's independence.
The law enforcement officials discovered a range of violations at the textile fiber and cement factories owned by subsidiaries of the company. Environmental, occupational health, land usage, fire safety, and tax issues were included in the violations.
There was intense speculation in Taiwan about whether the fines were politically motivated.
According to the Central News Agency, Far Eastern Group companies have donated money to politicians on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. They include donations to pro-independence politicians.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office posted a news report about her response to the fines and punishment for Taiwan independence supporters.
Beijing views the island as a separate province. China's air force entered the island's airspace almost every day.
The Far Eastern New Century and Asia Cement subsidiaries confirmed the fines in statements on the Taiwan Stock Exchange on Monday. They said the penalties wouldn't have an impact on finances or operations. Asia Cement said it will face penalties.
China has reprimanded international companies that list Taiwan as a country in the past, as Beijing claims sovereignty over the island. Major companies apologized to Beijing over the issue.
