TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China’s Taiwan Affairs Office confirmed Monday that Taiwanese publisher Gusa’s (八旗文化) chief editor Li Yanhe (李延賀), also known as Fucha (富察), was convicted of subversion on Feb. 17.

TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua (陳斌華) announced that Li was charged with inciting subversion of state power and was tried at the Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court, per UDN. Chen stated that Li had a public trial and was granted the appropriate legal rights.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned the trial as a "show trial," alleging that the Chinese Communist Party had predetermined the verdict. The MAC also dismissed the TAO’s claim of an open trial and argued that Li’s arrest was intended to create a chilling effect in Taiwan’s publishing industry. It urged caution for those considering travel to China.

Li, originally from China, had obtained Taiwanese citizenship before his arrest in Shanghai in March 2023 while visiting family. The TAO initially stated that he was under investigation for national security-related matters.

Gusa responded on Tuesday, expressing anger and concern over Li’s conviction for inciting subversion as a publisher. The company questioned the trial's transparency, noting it was unable to access the court’s verdict and lacked clarity on Li’s conviction, including his prison sentence and potential return to Taiwan.

Mainland Affairs Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) on Tuesday reiterated the MAC’s stance that the trial was a show trial, per CNA. He also advised the public to register their visit to China if travel is necessary. 

Chiu added that while the government is monitoring Li’s case, it is withholding further details out of respect for Li’s family and friends.

Democratic Progressive Party spokespersons Wu Cheng (吳崢) and Han Ying (韓瑩) criticized the Kuomintang on Tuesday as being too lenient towards China, per CNA. Han criticized the KMT for advocating for the freedom of speech of Chinese national Liu Zhenya (劉振亞), while remaining silent on Li’s detention and conviction.

Taiwan's National Immigration Agency revoked Liu’s residency permit on March 11 after she expressed support for the military annexation of Taiwan on social media. Han urged the KMT to address the ongoing issue of Taiwanese citizens being forcibly detained in China, with 71 individuals currently in custody.