Taiwanese Publisher Sentenced in China: A Chilling Effect on Freedom of Expression

The Case of Li Yanhe, Pen Name Fu Cha, Highlights Risks for Taiwanese-Chinese Couples

Taipei, March 26 - The political landscape of Taiwan and its complex relationship with China continues to see a new case of friction. Li Yanhe (李延賀), the founder of the Taiwan-based Gūsa Publishing, has been sentenced to three years in prison by Chinese authorities on charges of inciting secession, according to an announcement by Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO).

At a press briefing, TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua (陳斌華) stated that Li, better known by his pen name Fu Cha (富察), was found guilty by the Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court. The sentence also includes the deprivation of political rights for one year and the confiscation of CNY$50,000 (US$6,889) of Li's personal property. Chen added that Li did not appeal the ruling, making it final.

The spokesperson mentioned that Li's family had been informed of the situation but provided no details regarding the defendant's health or current location. This case further highlights the intricacies and potential risks associated with cross-strait relationships.

Li, a Chinese national with residency in Taiwan, was arrested two years ago while visiting his family in China to handle residency-related matters. The specifics of the actions leading to his charges and conviction remain undisclosed.

Born in 1971 in Liaoning province, China, Li is married to a Taiwanese woman and has held residency in Taiwan since 2013. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

In 2009, Li founded Gūsa, a publishing house under the Book Republic Publishing Group, in Taipei. The publishing house has been known for publishing books that often criticize the Chinese Communist Party, touching on subjects often considered sensitive by the party. This publishing history provides crucial context for the case.

Li's detention in 2023 triggered significant concern within the cultural and publishing sectors. More than 350 scholars, authors, and cultural figures issued a joint statement calling for his immediate release, expressing worries about the potential impact on these sectors.

The case also raises questions about the challenges that Chinese spouses of Taiwanese nationals face when trying to obtain permanent residency in Taiwan. Li is believed to have returned to China to rescind his household registration at the time of his arrest.

According to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Chinese spouses must provide proof of having revoked their Chinese household registration when applying for permanent residency in Taiwan, or within three months of obtaining such status. Failure to do so could result in the revocation of their permanent residency.

Gūsa, in a statement, expressed sadness over Li's imprisonment, stating that the staff would await the return of their chief editor. Meanwhile, an informal group monitoring the case, led by veteran journalist Lee Chih-te (李志德), strongly condemned the Chinese authorities' actions and urged Beijing to release Li so he can reunite with his family in Taiwan.