Chinese mainland names two die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday added two individuals to its list of die-hard "Taiwan independence" secessionists, bringing the total number on this list to 14, a spokesperson said.

Liu Shih-fang and Cheng Ying-yao were identified as the two individuals added, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference in Beijing.

Both Liu and Cheng serve as officials for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. Liu heads Taiwan's internal affairs body, while Cheng is in charge of education.

"Taiwan independence" secessionists are lawbreakers and criminals bent on splitting the country and sabotaging the development of cross-Strait relations. They are traitors to the Chinese nation who harm the interests of their fellow Chinese, Chen said.

"We will take all necessary measures to punish them in accordance with the law and hold them accountable for life," Chen stressed.

Chen also said that the list of accomplices of "Taiwan independence" secessionists involved in the persecution of Taiwan compatriots currently features 12 individuals.