DPP lawmaker Puma Shen slams China sanctions on father's company

Taipei, June 5 (CNA) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Thursday criticized China's decision to sanction his father's export company, calling it a retaliatory move in response to his promotion of legislation opposed by Beijing.

In a video, Shen said it was "foolish" of China to sanction his father's company, Sicuens International Co., LTD., which sources and sells car parts around the world, including China.

He said the punishment targeting his father Shen Tu-cheng (沈土城) was "in fact undermining the interests of Chinese suppliers" that have collaborated with the Taiwanese company.

The DPP lawmaker said he believes the sanction are a response to his recent legislative efforts to bolster Taiwan's national security, including proposed measures requiring Taiwanese lawmakers to report their trips to China.

"They [the Chinese authorities] don't just go after individuals; they target entire families," added Shen, who has previously been sanctioned by Beijing and labeled a "diehard Taiwan independence" separatist.

In an announcement in October 2024, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said it would ban Shen and his family members from entering China, Hong Kong and Macao, and would restrict any entities associated with Shen from collaborating with Chinese organizations and individuals.

Beijing announced the latest punitive measure earlier on Thursday, saying Sicuens International Co., LTD. would be banned from conducting any business or cooperation with Chinese organizations, companies and individuals.

The announcement came days after Ta Kung Pao and Wenweipo, both of which are Hong Kong-based newspapers affiliated with China's liaison office in the territory, ran reports on Shen Tu-cheng's business in China.

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) said during a briefing in Beijing that China would not allow companies with ties to "diehard Taiwan independence" separatists to make money in China.