Mainland vows to 'severely punish' those seeking 'Taiwan independence'

"The central government will take all necessary measures to severely punish stubborn secessionists seeking 'Taiwan independence,' holding them accountable lifelong in accordance with the law," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press briefing on Wednesday.

Zhu noted that the peaceful development of cross-strait ties can be ensured only by resolutely cracking down on those secessionists and their related activities.