China said on Monday (Oct 14) it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities. In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-straits ties. Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest men who pledged two years ago to provide millions to two civilian defence training programmes, including the