TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday (June 24) said democracy is not a crime but autocracy is, in response to China's punishments for “Taiwan independence die-hards."

On Friday (June 21), China issued “22 Opinions" on punishing Taiwan independence activists allowing for trial in absentia, with the maximum penalty being the death sentence. On Tuesday, Lai rebuked China's autocratic system, said Beijing's new regulations have no legal basis, urged intraparty cooperation, and called for cross-strait dialogue, per CNA. 

Lai made his remarks at a press event on Tuesday. A member of the media asked for Lai's response to China's issuance of opinions on punishing Taiwan independence activists.

Lai said, "Democracy is not a crime, but autocracy is a crime." He added, “China has absolutely no right to sanction the Taiwanese people simply because of their beliefs, and China certainly does not have the right to pursue cross-border prosecution of the Taiwanese people."

"According to China's logic, opposing unification equates to supporting Taiwan's independence. In other words, whether one identifies as pro-Taiwan, pro-Republic of China, or pro-Republic of China Taiwan, in China's view, they all mean supporting Taiwan's independence.”

In addition, Lai called on China to “recognize the existence of the Republic of China” and to engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government. 

“This is the right way to enhance the welfare of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Without such actions, Taiwan-China relations will become increasingly distant," said Lai.