TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Puma Shen (沈柏洋) on Tuesday criticized China for opening an investigation into him.

Shen said in a Facebook post that this was “typical” of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing deals with those who raise questions or defend Taiwan, he said. 

The Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau accused Shen of participating in activities that undermine national unity by establishing the Kuma Academy, which it called a “separatist organization,” CNA reported.

The lawmaker predicted that China would issue a wanted notice or hold a trial in absentia. Shen brushed off the investigation, saying, “Taiwanese people aren’t afraid anyway.”

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) blasted China’s action, saying its jurisdiction does not extend to Taiwan, according to Liberty Times. Targeting legislators violates civilized rule of law and deserves condemnation, Chiu said.

Under Taiwan’s Constitution, citizens are protected from cross-border persecution by the CCP, and the government will do everything to ensure their safety, the minister said. Chiu said this was an attempt to intimidate and divide Taiwanese. He called on the public to remain united.

Last year, China labeled Shen as a die-hard Taiwanese independence activist, along with United Microelectronics Corp founder Robert Tsao (曹興誠), former Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴).