TAIPEI, Reuters – Taiwanese firms in China must draw a distinction between them and independent supporters. This was China’s Monday statement after it punished a Taiwanese company allegedly for business violations.

China has placed pressure on Taiwan, the democratically-rule Taiwan, to allow Beijing to rule. China announced earlier in the month that it will hold all those supporting Taiwan’s official independence, as well as companies, criminally responsible.

China’s official news agency Xinhua stated Monday morning that Chinese law enforcement agencies had penalized Taiwan’s Far Eastern Group for a variety of issues, including tax and fire safety.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said late Monday that the move wasn’t linked to government targeting “stubbornly pro Taiwan independence” forces. However, it did answer a question about whether there was a link.

It also stated that Taiwanese independence supporters pose a threat to peace and stability, and are threatening the Chinese people’s interests.

The law stated, “They must be punished along with their related companies and financiers in accordance to the law.”

China will welcome Taiwanese firms, but it won’t allow Taiwanese who want to support independence to work in China, said the office.

The report stated, “The vast majority of Taiwanese entrepreneurs and businessmen must discern right from wrong, be firm, draw clear lines with Taiwan independence separatists forces, and take concrete actions to preserve peaceful development of cross–strait relations.”

Far Eastern Group declined to comment on requests, but Far Eastern New Century Corp claimed that it had been inspecting its textile operations, including China, in the second-quarter. Law enforcement found issues over environmental protection, tax safety, and fire safety.

After being fined $36.5 million ($5.72 million), it said that almost all changes had been made.

The Taiwanese government is yet to respond. Taiwan claims it is an independent nation called the Republic of China. Beijing does not have any right to influence its elected representatives.

($1 = 6.3810 renminbi)