Taiwan's interior ministry has denounced Beijing for intimidating Taiwanese
nationals working in China.

This comes after Chinese authorities announced an investigation into a nephew
of Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang , whom Beijing recently labelled a
"separatist."

Interior Vice Minister Ma Shih-yuan called the investigation an attempt to
create a "chilling effect" among public servants.

This followed a report by Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao alleging that Liu had
received political donations from her nephew, Yen Wen-chun.

Yen reportedly holds executive positions at three companies in China. Ta Kong
Pao said that at the same time he has been a strong supporter of Taiwan
independence and made political donations to Liu.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said the office was
aware of the allegations and was investigating ... noting that staunch Taiwan
independence supporters and their relatives aren't allowed to profit from
businesses in China while undermining cross-strait relations.

The Mainland Affairs Council said that the Taiwan government supports normal
cross-strait activity, noting that working or investing in China benefits
local economies, while Beijing's threats only deepen public distrust and
resentment.

CNA_JvW