China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities.

In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-strait ties.

Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest men who pledged two years ago to provide millions to two civilian defence training programmes, including the Black Bear Academy. Shen, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), helps run Black Bear Academy training.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/goldman-sachs-upgrades-chinas-growth-forecast-amid-economic-recovery-767268">Goldman Sachs upgrades China’s growth forecast amid economic recovery</a>

The State Council-level Taiwan Affairs Office said it would include Tsao and Shen on a list of "Taiwan independence" diehards and impose sanctions on them and the academy.

The move comes as China on Monday launched fresh military drills around the democratically governed island that China claims as its own. Beijing said the drills were a warning against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" while denouncing Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of the DPP.

"This is one of China's many acts of intimidation against Taiwan, including economic coercion, military threats...," a DPP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

"These irrational acts will only further hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and damage cross-strait relations."

Tsao and Shen would be barred from travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau, the statement added, while all affiliated enterprises and businesses linked to the pair would not be allowed to "seek profit" in China.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tsmcs-third-quarter-profit-predicted-to-soar-40-amid-booming-ai-chip-demand-767276">TSMC's third-quarter profit predicted to soar 40% amid booming AI chip demand</a>

"The Black Bear Academy, with the support of the DPP authorities and external interference forces, has brazenly cultivated violent Taiwan independence elements and openly engaged in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities under the guise of lectures, training, and outdoor drills," the statement read, citing spokesman Chen Binhua.

Shen, speaking to reporters, described this as a provocation from China, rather than the other way around and said it reflected Beijing's great sensitivity towards any civilian defence initiatives in Taiwan.

"They will definitely use the threat of (economic) sanctions to conduct further grey zone warfare against Taiwan," he said.

The Black Bear Academy, also known as the Kuma Academy, said in a statement the moves are "nothing more than politically motivated attempts to undermine our mission and silence those who support Taiwan's right to self-determination and democratic values."

Tsao is the founder and former chairman of chip maker, United Microelectronics Corp, and has said he hoped his programmes would help train millions of "civilian warriors" through a mix of survival, military and counter surveillance, and technology courses.

Tsao and UMC gave no immediate response to Reuters' requests for comment.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities.

China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities. In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-strait ties. Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest men who pledged two years ago to provide millions to two civilian defence training programmes, including the Black Bear Academy. Shen, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), helps run Black Bear Academy training. Also Read | Goldman Sachs upgrades China’s growth forecast amid economic recovery The State Council-level Taiwan Affairs Office said it would include Tsao and Shen on a list of "Taiwan independence" diehards and impose sanctions on them and the academy. The move comes as China on Monday launched fresh military drills around the democratically governed island that China claims as its own. Beijing said the drills were a warning against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" while denouncing Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of the DPP. "This is one of China's many acts of intimidation against Taiwan, including economic coercion, military threats...," a DPP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. "These irrational acts will only further hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and damage cross-strait relations." Tsao and Shen would be barred from travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau, the statement added, while all affiliated enterprises and businesses linked to the pair would not be allowed to "seek profit" in China. Also Read | TSMC's third-quarter profit predicted to soar 40% amid booming AI chip demand "The Black Bear Academy, with the support of the DPP authorities and external interference forces, has brazenly cultivated violent Taiwan independence elements and openly engaged in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities under the guise of lectures, training, and outdoor drills," the statement read, citing spokesman Chen Binhua. Shen, speaking to reporters, described this as a provocation from China, rather than the other way around and said it reflected Beijing's great sensitivity towards any civilian defence initiatives in Taiwan. "They will definitely use the threat of (economic) sanctions to conduct further grey zone warfare against Taiwan," he said. The Black Bear Academy, also known as the Kuma Academy, said in a statement the moves are "nothing more than politically motivated attempts to undermine our mission and silence those who support Taiwan's right to self-determination and democratic values." Tsao is the founder and former chairman of chip maker, United Microelectronics Corp, and has said he hoped his programmes would help train millions of "civilian warriors" through a mix of survival, military and counter surveillance, and technology courses. Tsao and UMC gave no immediate response to Reuters' requests for comment. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China imposes sanctions on Taiwanese businessman Tsao, lawmaker Shen for ‘separatist’ acts

The United States will seek to take action against individuals or companies linked with&nbsp; China's military that supported the flight of a Chinese spy balloon into the airspace of the United States last week, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. Washington is confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon shot down by the US forces last week, had a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre repeated that the United States would look at taking action against such entities. However, the White House has&nbsp;not specified what measures are under consideration. Jean-Pierre told reporters the United States would also look at broader efforts to "expose and address" China's larger surveillance activities that pose a threat to the national security of the United States as well as its allies and partners.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spy-balloon-row-us-says-balloon-maker-had-direct-ties-with-pla-560498">Spy Balloon row: US says balloon maker had direct ties with PLA</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spy-balloon-row-us-says-balloon-maker-had-direct-ties-with-pla-560498/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The FBI, which is investigating&nbsp;the spy balloon row, told reporters&nbsp;that it had obtained only limited physical evidence and did not yet have enough information to assess its capabilities.

"It's very early for us in this process, and the evidence that has been recovered and brought to the FBI is extremely limited," a bureau official said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-votes-to-condemn-chinese-spy-balloon-incursion-us-may-target-pla-linked-entities-560453">US may target PLA-linked entities as House votes to condemn Chinese 'spy' balloon incursion</a>

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said that the flight of the Chinese balloon was yet another sign of Beijing's efforts to reshape the international order.

"This irresponsible act put on full display what we've long recognised: that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has become more repressive at home and more aggressive abroad," Sherman told a hearing of&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee.&nbsp;

Sherman said Washington would continue to block China from using the US&nbsp;technology to advance its military modernisation.

<h2>China spy balloon row: The PLA link</h2>

In the statement released by the US State Department, a senior official said the balloon manufacturer has a direct relationship with China's military and is an approved vendor of the People's Liberation Army.

The company also advertises balloon products on its website and hosts videos from past flights, which appear to have flown over the US&nbsp;airspace and the airspace of other countries, the official said, without naming the business.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United States will seek to take action against individuals or companies linked with China's military that supported the flight of a Chinese spy balloon into the airspace of the United States last week, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

The United States will seek to take action against individuals or companies linked with China's military that supported the flight of a Chinese spy balloon into the airspace of the United States last week, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. Washington is confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon shot down by the US forces last week, had a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre repeated that the United States would look at taking action against such entities. However, the White House has not specified what measures are under consideration. Jean-Pierre told reporters the United States would also look at broader efforts to "expose and address" China's larger surveillance activities that pose a threat to the national security of the United States as well as its allies and partners. ALSO WATCH | Spy Balloon row: US says balloon maker had direct ties with PLA × The FBI, which is investigating the spy balloon row, told reporters that it had obtained only limited physical evidence and did not yet have enough information to assess its capabilities. "It's very early for us in this process, and the evidence that has been recovered and brought to the FBI is extremely limited," a bureau official said. ALSO READ | US may target PLA-linked entities as House votes to condemn Chinese 'spy' balloon incursion Meanwhile, on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said that the flight of the Chinese balloon was yet another sign of Beijing's efforts to reshape the international order. "This irresponsible act put on full display what we've long recognised: that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has become more repressive at home and more aggressive abroad," Sherman told a hearing of Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sherman said Washington would continue to block China from using the US technology to advance its military modernisation. China spy balloon row: The PLA link In the statement released by the US State Department, a senior official said the balloon manufacturer has a direct relationship with China's military and is an approved vendor of the People's Liberation Army. The company also advertises balloon products on its website and hosts videos from past flights, which appear to have flown over the US airspace and the airspace of other countries, the official said, without naming the business. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden administration may soon sanction Chinese entities linked with spy balloon row

China has launched a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization against the United States. The dispute is over its chip export control measures. Watch further to know more.

China challenges U.S. chip curbs at WTO

Now in a move that can further worsen the already strained tasks between the United States and China the United States has now interestingly decided to impose human rights-related sanctions on China for its alleged atrocities in the Xinjiang province.

The U.S imposes human rights sanctions

China on Friday said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in a potential arms sale worth $2.2 billion to self-ruled Taiwan - a move that has infuriated Beijing.&nbsp;

"The US arms sale to Taiwan has severely violated the basic norms of international law and international relations," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang in an online statement.

"In order to safeguard national interests, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-the-us-should-not-play-with-fire-on-taiwan-235313&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZuOOQuq_jAhVFQd4KHc2RApsQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sOn1souC3kVjZYjjWTGWm">China</a> will impose sanctions on US enterprises participating in this sale of weapons to Taiwan," he said.

The planned weapons sale, the first transfer of big-ticket United States military gear to democratically-governed Taiwan in decades, comes as ties between Washington and Beijing are already strained by their trade war.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It bristles at any country that might lend Taiwan diplomatic support or legitimacy.

Earlier this week, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing had lodged formal complaints through diplomatic channels expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" at the potential weapons sale, which includes battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles.

China on Tuesday had also demanded that the US "immediately cancel" the $2.2 billion potential arms sale.

The US later shrugged off China's complaints, responding that the equipment would contribute to "peace and stability" in Asia.

'Playing with fire'&nbsp;

With the US currently engaged in a trade war with China, relations between Taipei and Washington have warmed considerably.&nbsp;

Unlike the last three American presidents, who were wary of angering Beijing, Donald Trump has ramped up relations with Taiwan.&nbsp;

And although Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it has remained Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and biggest arms supplier.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday warned Washington "not to play with fire with the Taiwan question" during a visit to Hungary.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is spending two days in the US this week ahead of a trip to visit diplomatic allies in the Caribbean.

The decision to let Tsai pass through the US has drawn ire from Beijing, which voiced "firm" opposition to official exchanges between Washington and Taipei.

Separately, foreign ministry spokesman Geng told a press briefing Friday that the US should not provide a platform for "Taiwan independence separatist forces".&nbsp;

"We urge the US... to not let Tsai Ing-wen pass through its territory," said Geng.

After her US trip, Tsai will visit Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, and St Christopher and Nevis, in an attempt to shore up support for Taiwan.

China has poached five of Taipei's dwindling number of allies since Tsai became president in 2016.

China on Friday said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in a potential arms sale worth $2.2 billion to self-ruled Taiwan - a move that has infuriated Beijing.

China on Friday said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in a potential arms sale worth $2.2 billion to self-ruled Taiwan - a move that has infuriated Beijing. "The US arms sale to Taiwan has severely violated the basic norms of international law and international relations," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang in an online statement. "In order to safeguard national interests, China will impose sanctions on US enterprises participating in this sale of weapons to Taiwan," he said. The planned weapons sale, the first transfer of big-ticket United States military gear to democratically-governed Taiwan in decades, comes as ties between Washington and Beijing are already strained by their trade war. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It bristles at any country that might lend Taiwan diplomatic support or legitimacy. Earlier this week, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing had lodged formal complaints through diplomatic channels expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" at the potential weapons sale, which includes battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles. China on Tuesday had also demanded that the US "immediately cancel" the $2.2 billion potential arms sale. The US later shrugged off China's complaints, responding that the equipment would contribute to "peace and stability" in Asia. 'Playing with fire' With the US currently engaged in a trade war with China, relations between Taipei and Washington have warmed considerably. Unlike the last three American presidents, who were wary of angering Beijing, Donald Trump has ramped up relations with Taiwan. And although Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it has remained Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and biggest arms supplier. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday warned Washington "not to play with fire with the Taiwan question" during a visit to Hungary. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is spending two days in the US this week ahead of a trip to visit diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. The decision to let Tsai pass through the US has drawn ire from Beijing, which voiced "firm" opposition to official exchanges between Washington and Taipei. Separately, foreign ministry spokesman Geng told a press briefing Friday that the US should not provide a platform for "Taiwan independence separatist forces". "We urge the US... to not let Tsai Ing-wen pass through its territory," said Geng. After her US trip, Tsai will visit Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, and St Christopher and Nevis, in an attempt to shore up support for Taiwan. China has poached five of Taipei's dwindling number of allies since Tsai became president in 2016.

China to impose sanctions on US firms in Taiwan arms sale

US lawmakers will introduce legislation on Wednesday urging a stronger response by the Trump administration to China’s crackdown on minority Muslims, including possible sanctions against a regional Communist Party chief and other officials accused of human rights abuses.

The legislation will also ask President Donald Trump to condemn China’s actions in the Xinjiang region, call for a new “special coordinator” of US policy on the issue and press for consideration of a ban on export of US technology that Beijing could use in surveillance and mass detention of ethnic Uighurs, according to a copy of the measure seen by Reuters.

The lawmakers want the Trump administration to consider human rights-related sanctions against Xinjiang Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, who is also a member of the powerful politburo, and other officials “credibly alleged to be responsible” for the security crackdown, the measure will say.

“Chinese government officials should be held accountable for their complicity in this evil and US businesses should be barred from helping China create a high-tech police state in Xinjiang," said Republican US Representative Chris Smith, one of the sponsors of the bipartisan legislation that will be presented in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The White House and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill, which is also being put forth by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Bob Menendez

Trump’s senior aides recently have become more vocal in their criticism of China’s treatment of its minority Muslims in Xinjiang, which has sparked an international outcry. Any sanctions, however, would be a rare move on human rights grounds by the Trump administration against China, with which it is engaged in a bitter trade war.

Beijing has dismissed accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, urging the United States and other countries to stay out of its internal affairs.

China’s top diplomat said earlier on Tuesday that the world should ignore "gossip" about developments in Xinjiang and trust authorities there, when asked if Beijing would allow international observers to inspect camps holding Muslims there.

Western countries including Canada, France, Germany, and the United States have urged China to shut down camps in Xinjiang, where activists say as many as 1 million members of the Uighur minority and other Muslims are being detained. Far western Xinjiang faces a threat from Islamist militants and separatists, China has said in the past.

Rubio said in a statement that some Chinese officials were responsible for "possible crimes against humanity."

The Trump administration for several months has been weighing sanctions against Chinese officials and companies operating in Xinjiang, US officials have said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The new bill calls for consideration of measures under the Global Magnitsky Act, which hits rights violators with freezes on US assets, US travel bans, and prohibitions on Americans doing business with them, and also under a federal law to target those involved in religious repression around the world.

It will urge the administration to report back to Congress on Chinese companies involved in the camps and ask the FBI to take action against any Chinese government efforts to intimidate Uighurs living in the United States. 
&nbsp;

US lawmakers will introduce legislation on Wednesday urging a stronger response by the Trump administration to China’s crackdown on minority Muslims, including possible sanctions against a regional Communist Party chief and other officials accused of human rights abuses.

US lawmakers will introduce legislation on Wednesday urging a stronger response by the Trump administration to China’s crackdown on minority Muslims, including possible sanctions against a regional Communist Party chief and other officials accused of human rights abuses. The legislation will also ask President Donald Trump to condemn China’s actions in the Xinjiang region, call for a new “special coordinator” of US policy on the issue and press for consideration of a ban on export of US technology that Beijing could use in surveillance and mass detention of ethnic Uighurs, according to a copy of the measure seen by Reuters. The lawmakers want the Trump administration to consider human rights-related sanctions against Xinjiang Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, who is also a member of the powerful politburo, and other officials “credibly alleged to be responsible” for the security crackdown, the measure will say. “Chinese government officials should be held accountable for their complicity in this evil and US businesses should be barred from helping China create a high-tech police state in Xinjiang," said Republican US Representative Chris Smith, one of the sponsors of the bipartisan legislation that will be presented in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The White House and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill, which is also being put forth by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Bob Menendez Trump’s senior aides recently have become more vocal in their criticism of China’s treatment of its minority Muslims in Xinjiang, which has sparked an international outcry. Any sanctions, however, would be a rare move on human rights grounds by the Trump administration against China, with which it is engaged in a bitter trade war. Beijing has dismissed accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, urging the United States and other countries to stay out of its internal affairs. China’s top diplomat said earlier on Tuesday that the world should ignore "gossip" about developments in Xinjiang and trust authorities there, when asked if Beijing would allow international observers to inspect camps holding Muslims there. Western countries including Canada, France, Germany, and the United States have urged China to shut down camps in Xinjiang, where activists say as many as 1 million members of the Uighur minority and other Muslims are being detained. Far western Xinjiang faces a threat from Islamist militants and separatists, China has said in the past. Rubio said in a statement that some Chinese officials were responsible for "possible crimes against humanity." The Trump administration for several months has been weighing sanctions against Chinese officials and companies operating in Xinjiang, US officials have said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The new bill calls for consideration of measures under the Global Magnitsky Act, which hits rights violators with freezes on US assets, US travel bans, and prohibitions on Americans doing business with them, and also under a federal law to target those involved in religious repression around the world. It will urge the administration to report back to Congress on Chinese companies involved in the camps and ask the FBI to take action against any Chinese government efforts to intimidate Uighurs living in the United States.

US to introduce legislation to urge possible China sanctions over Xinjiang crackdown