BEIJING - 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 in Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party. Liu heads Taiwan's internal affairs body, while Cheng oversees 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.

Liu blatantly propagates "Taiwan independence" rhetoric, suppresses Taiwan residents who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges, persecutes mainland spouses living in Taiwan, and creates obstacles to cross-Strait interactions, blocking cross-Strait people-to-people communication channels, said the spokesperson.

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Cheng brazenly peddles provocative rhetoric advocating "Taiwan independence" and has organized the compilation of "Taiwan independence" teaching materials, poisoning the minds of young people in Taiwan and hindering educational exchanges and cooperation across the Strait, Chen noted.

Both Liu and Cheng hold entrenched "Taiwan independence" views, made provocative statements, and carried out despicable acts of seeking "Taiwan independence," said the spokesperson.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the mainland has decided to place Liu and Cheng on the list and to implement sanctions. Measures include banning Liu, Cheng, and their family members from entering the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as restricting their affiliated organizations from cooperating with mainland entities or individuals, according to Chen.

He added that the sanctions also prevent any of their related companies or financial backers from seeking profits in the mainland. All other necessary punitive measures will be taken, and the two will be held legally accountable for life.

Chen encouraged compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to continue providing information on any illegal activities involving Liu and Cheng.