Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- China has released guidelines for the criminal punishment of individuals who persistently advocate for the so-called "independence of Taiwan" and contribute to the country’s division, CGTN reported.

This document was jointly published by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, and the Ministry of Justice of China, and it came into effect on the day of publication.

The guidelines provide clear directives for severe punishment of separatist activities. According to the document, relevant Chinese authorities must fully perform their duties in accordance with the law and resolutely defend the national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country.

Ma Yan, a judge of the Supreme People’s Court of China, stated, "For some time, a small number of individuals advocating for the so-called ‘independence of Taiwan’ have engaged in separatist activities, which seriously threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and cause significant harm to the overall interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, as well as the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. Prosecuting those who attempt to split the country and undermine national unity is a necessary measure to protect China’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity."

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, noted, "Criminal acts aimed at achieving the so-called ‘independence of Taiwan’ are the main source of disasters that will lead to chaos on the island and harm the people’s interests. Only by severely punishing the separatists in accordance with the law can Taiwanese compatriots fully enjoy the benefits of developing mutually beneficial relations across the Taiwan Strait and live in peace and stability."