In a press conference held by Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, an official issued a warning to Taiwanese citizens against traveling to mainland China. This comes in response to a recent policy announced by the Chinese government, targeting "separatists" and threatening execution for those who support Taiwanese independence.

The announcement sparked a strong response from Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, who emphasized that democracy is not a crime. President Lai urged China to respect Taiwan's people and their rights, calling for dialogue and exchanges between the two nations' governments. Failure to establish such communication, he warned, would only lead to further estrangement.

Taiwan has long been considered by China as its own territory, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has previously made threats to forcibly take control of the island. The recent development of executing "diehard" supporters of Taiwanese independence is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between Taipei and Beijing.

In addition to the execution threats, China has been using military drills as a form of intimidation, often in response to events involving the United States and Taiwan. This includes live-fire drills conducted in 2022 after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the first time a U.S. speaker had visited the island in over 25 years.

The execution threat by Beijing coincides with the approval of a $360 million sale of drones, missiles, and other equipment to Taiwan by the United States. This move further complicates the already tense relationship between the U.S., Taiwan, and China.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Taiwanese government's warning to its citizens not to travel to mainland China serves as a precautionary measure in light of the recent threats made by Beijing. The international community will closely monitor the developments in the region and their potential impact on the already fragile relations between Taiwan and China.