Taipei: The U.S. Department of State has expressed concern following the announcement by a Chinese public security agency that it is investigating Taiwanese lawmaker Puma Shen for “secession.” The investigation has been initiated by China’s Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau, which has listed Shen as “wanted” for his alleged involvement in “secession-related” criminal activities in Taiwan. These activities include his founding of Kuma Academy, an organization that educates Taiwanese citizens on civil defense strategies in the event of a Chinese invasion.

According to Focus Taiwan, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning China’s actions, which it believes threaten free speech and undermine the cross-Strait status quo. The State Department spokesperson highlighted the use of “draconian judicial guidelines” by China to prosecute individuals they label as “Taiwan independence die-hards.” The U.S. has urged China to engage in dialogue with Taiwan to resolve their differences, warning that legal pressure and threats could hinder peaceful resolution.

The situation has escalated following comments from a Chinese legal expert on state-run CCTV, suggesting that Shen should be apprehended through the International Criminal Police Organization and other international judicial agreements. This has raised concerns in Taiwan about the possibility of Shen’s arrest and extradition if he travels abroad.

In response to the investigation, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has asserted that China holds no judicial authority over Taiwan. The council is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international allies to consider potential countermeasures. Meanwhile, Shen, addressing the Bundestag’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in Berlin, declared his resilience, stating he would not be intimidated.