China threatens death penalty for die-hard’ Taiwan separatists

China on June 21 threatened to impose the death penalty in extreme cases for "die-hard" Taiwan independence separatists, even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction over the democratically governed island.

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China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory.

It has stepped up pressure on the island after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te who is described by Beijing as a "separatist" in May, including staging war games shortly after he took office.

Taipei has complained of a pattern of ramped-up Chinese pressure since Mr Lai won the election in January, including military actions, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China.