Taiwan leader says China 'has no right to punish' island

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has rebuked China's recent warning that "diehard" supporters of Taiwanese independence could face the death penalty, stating that China "has no right to punish" Taiwanese people for their views. Lai emphasized that democracy should not be equated with crime, and that China should engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government instead of pursuing punitive measures. The comments come amidst heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing increasing military pressure on the island in recent years.