Overview
- Chongqing authorities announced a case against Shen Pao-yang, also known as Puma Shen, citing suspected secession linked to his founding of the Kuma (Black Bear) Academy.
- Xinhua reported that the investigation is based on China’s Criminal Law and 2024 judicial guidelines on punishing “Taiwan independence” hardliners, with officials calling it necessary for national unity.
- Mainland experts quoted by state media said the case has moved into a second, evidence-gathering phase that could be transferred for prosecution.
- Shen, a Democratic Progressive Party legislator, dismissed the move in a Facebook post and predicted Beijing would issue a warrant and try him in absentia.
- Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said China has no jurisdiction over people in Taiwan and condemned the action as intimidation, noting Shen was already sanctioned on Beijing’s 2024 list of “obstinate separatists.”