 Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward part of China to be brought back into the fold, even though it's been self-governed and democratic for decades. Tension across the Taiwan Strait has flared since Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-to, was elected in January. He took office last month. And last week, the Chinese government issued new guidelines calling on police, courts and prosecutors to severely punish what it calls Taiwan independence diehards for splitting the country and inciting secession.