China today threatened to introduce the death penalty for the most extreme separatists who advocate Taiwan independence.

According to world agencies, this threat has been published even though Chinese courts do not have jurisdiction over the island.

Beijing has said Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, who took office last month, is a "separatist" and immediately after his inauguration, Chinese authorities carried out military exercises.

According to the new guidelines, China's courts, prosecutors and security institutions should "severely punish Taiwan separatists for inciting secession, as well as resolutely defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," the Chinese state news agency reported.

Taiwan's National Affairs Council today condemned Beijing's move and urged the population not to fear China's threats.

"The Chinese authorities have absolutely no jurisdiction over Taiwan, and the so-called laws and norms of the Chinese Communists have no binding force on our citizens," the council said in a statement.