China Launches Probe into Taiwanese Lawmaker for Alleged Separatist Activities

China has opened a criminal investigation into Puma Shen, a prominent Taiwanese lawmaker it had previously sanctioned, for alleged criminal “separatist activities,” authorities announced Tuesday. Shen is an outspoken member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which aggressively advocates for Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Consequently, this political advocacy previously brought him directly into the crosshairs of Beijing, which officially considers Taiwan part of its own sovereign territory. Furthermore, the mainland government has not ruled out using military force to bring the self-ruled democratic island under its direct control.

Direct Criminal Invocation

China initially imposed sanctions on Shen one year ago, effectively barring him from entering mainland China, Macau, or Hong Kong. However, on Tuesday, the public security bureau of southwestern Chongqing stated it “decided to open a case for investigation” into the lawmaker. The bureau declared it will now “pursue his criminal responsibility in accordance with the law,” a significant legal escalation.

Shen quickly acknowledged that previous sanctions existed, but he stressed that the new official designation felt “different this time.” He explained that local public security bureaus now directly invoke criminal law and national security law for these so-called “investigations.” Therefore, Chinese authorities now possess a very real opportunity to potentially make extraterritorial arrests in the future, Shen directly cautioned.

Civil Defense Training Targeted

China also confirmed Tuesday it would “firmly crack down” on Shen’s various activities, specifically citing the establishment of the Kuma Academy. The Kuma Academy, a civil-defense training organization, aims to prepare ordinary citizens for effective war and determined resistance. According to the group’s official website, they want to increase determination to defend against invaders, ultimately building a protective shield for the country.

In addition to this, Beijing’s Taiwan affairs office had already said last October that Shen’s family members will face similar entry bans. Moreover, the office confirmed that any affiliated businesses will be permanently barred from seeking profit within mainland China.