Taiwan’s leader rejects China’s veiled threats, demands protection for pro-democracy voice

On Friday, Beijing published new judicial guidelines that included the death penalty for 'particularly serious' cases involving 'diehard' supporters of Taiwanese independence, state media reported read more Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said Monday that China "has no right to punish" Taiwanese people for their views or advocacy, after Beijing warned "diehard" supporters of the island's independence could face the death penalty. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to rule out using force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has stepped up pressure on Taipei in recent years and held military drills around…