TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet advised the public to reconsider travel to China and for those currently in the country to be vigilant about their safety during a press conference on Thursday (June 27).

The warning comes after China announced punishments, including prison, detention, and even the death penalty, for “Taiwan independence die-hards” last week. The Chinese government approved trials in absentia for those accused of denying Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China or promoting Taiwan’s international participation.

In response, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said, "The Beijing authorities have no judicial jurisdiction over Taiwan, and the CCP's so-called laws and regulations have no binding force on the people of Taiwan." It added that Taiwanese enjoy “inalienable freedoms” such as democracy and constitutional rights.

Cabinet spokesperson Chen Shi-kai (陳世凱) said the legal procedures behind these punishments are unclear and overly broad, per CNA. He said these actions provoke cross-strait confrontation and affect exchanges and interactions between both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chen said the MAC will provide further details on specific travel advisories later.