United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) Founder Robert Tsao (曹興誠) was listed as a “die-hard supporter” of Taiwanese independence by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, a State Council administrative agency, on October 14. Tsao said that such statements would be punished in accordance with Taiwan’s laws regarding intimidation and endangerment this Monday.
In addition to the allegations that Tsao is a “die-hard supporter” of Taiwanese independence, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office additionally stated that it would impose penalties on him and his family members including lifetime restrictions on travel and business operations.
When speaking to the Legislature on Monday, Tsao stated that he would be legally prosecuting Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao (宋濤) and Spokesperson Chen Binhua (陳斌華) for violating Criminal Law Article 305.
Tsao took out his passport and emphasized that he had given up his Singaporean citizenship, becoming a Taiwanese citizen two years ago. He explained that the CCP has vilified the maintenance of sovereignty as Taiwanese independence and that such coercion is unacceptable. He elaborated that he supports President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) statement that the cross-strait relationship is one of non-subordination between nations and that the CCP cannot control Taiwan. Tsao added that Taiwan is autonomous which is not synonymous with seeking independence.
Jerry Cheng (鄭文龍), Tsao’s appointed lawyer, added that the intimidation tactics went beyond violating Taiwan’s criminal law, they also violate the United Nations article on the people’s right to self-determination. He stated that filing an international lawsuit in the United States or the International Court of Justice will be considered after filing a petition with the Taipei District Court on Monday.