On Tuesday, the Communist Party of China Central Committee put seven Taiwan politicians on its sanctions list. Hsiao Bi-khim, the representative of the island's secession-desiring Democratic Progressive Party authorities in the United States, and the other six know that they have only themselves to blame for this.
It was their servile and shameful roles in receiving visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month and making the irresponsible move possible, which secured them a place alongside Su Tseng-chang, Joseph Wu and You Si-kun, all senior officials of the island's independence-touting authorities, who were put on the list late last year.
In addition to the entry ban on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, the prohibition against firms and funds related to them dealing with entities and individuals on the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao has a more immediate practical effect, as Taiwan politicians usually have inextricable links with corporations and consortiums.
The sanction sends a clear signal to the business community of Taiwan that they have to cut ties with Taiwan independence diehards if they value their operations on the mainland.
The list of people on the list face lifetime criminal liability for their secessionism. It signifies that once national reunification is realized, whether by peaceful means or by force, these rotten apples will be dealt with according to the law. A necessary step to ensure a healthy political environment on the island and pave the way for the implementation of a country, two systems The seven seem carefree about being listed Lin Fei-fan, deputy head of the DPP, said it was an honor to be added to the list but all those on the list have already been convicted by what they have done.
The approval rate of the Tsai Ing-wen administration on the island has fallen 7 percentage points this month after its high-profile receptions of a series of distinguished guests led by Pelosi indicate that Taiwanese compatriots are not happy with it cozying up to Washington.
Her administration's support among young people aged between 20 and 24 has declined sharply, a group whose support Tsai has taken for granted, as a result of a decline of 19.8 percentage points.
They know there is no justification for seeking independence and that the island does not have the capacity to resist reunification by force, should that prove necessary.
The majority of the international community recognizes that the mainland has right as well as might on its side.
The cocoon on the mainland is closing up for the diehard separatists.