"Autocracy, not democracy, is a crime," stated the Taiwan President in response to China's death penalty threats against staunch Taiwan independence supporters.

The President of Taiwan declared, "Autocracy is a crime, not democracy," in reaction to China's threats of capital punishment for ardent supporters of Taiwan's independence.

Taipei, Taiwan, June 24 (ANI): In response to China's threats of imposing the death penalty on staunch Taiwan independence advocates, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te declared on Monday that democracy is not a crime, but autocracy is, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

At a press event, President Lai stated, "I wish to emphasize that democracy is not a crime; on the contrary, autocracy is," when questioned about his stance on China's new guidelines that could sentence "diehard" Taiwan independence supporters to death.

Lai also mentioned that China lacks the authority and jurisdiction to penalize Taiwanese citizens for their opinions or positions, according to Focus Taiwan.

"By China's reasoning, opposing unification is tantamount to endorsing Taiwan's independence. Thus, whether one supports Taiwan, the Republic of China, or the Republic of China as Taiwan, all are seen as backing Taiwan's independence in their view," Lai elaborated.

He underscored that, according to China's logic, the Chinese Unification Promotion Party is the sole party in Taiwan that does not advocate for Taiwan's independence.

"There is only one party in Taiwan, the Chinese Unification Promotion Party, that does not advocate for Taiwan's independence, according to China's logic," he remarked, adding that this is why both ruling and opposition parties must unite and show solidarity, as Focus Taiwan reported.

Moreover, Lai urged China to recognize Taiwan's existence and to democratically interact with Taiwan's legally elected government.

"The only way to safeguard the well-being of individuals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait is this. Any deviation from this course will only worsen Taiwan-China relations," the president asserted.

He also offered his condolences to those affected by the catastrophic rains in southern China and expressed his hope for a successful post-disaster recovery, as per Focus Taiwan.

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