TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China blacklisted two Taiwan cabinet ministers as "Taiwan independence separatists" on Wednesday (Jan. 7), banning them and their families from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau. China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO, 國台辦) named Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) in the announcement. The office cited actions that allegedly incited strong resentment among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as justification for the designation.
TAO Spokesperson Chen Bin-hua (陳斌華) accused Liu of openly advocating for Taiwan's independence and suppressing Taiwanese individuals who support cross-strait exchanges. Chen stated that such behavior obstructs personal interactions between the two regions. Chen also criticized Cheng for promoting what he called provocative separatist rhetoric and compiling pro-independence educational materials, which Chen claims hinder educational cooperation and harm Taiwanese youth.
Chen emphasized that the pro-independence ideologies of Liu and Cheng severely damage cross-strait cooperation and the well-being of people on both sides. The TAO will restrict collaboration between the ministers' associated institutions and organizations or individuals in China, implementing additional punitive measures. Chen also announced the blacklisting of Taiwan High Prosecutors Office (台灣高等檢察署) prosecutor Chen Shu-yi (陳舒怡), labeling her an accomplice to pro-independence activities. ◼