ISTANBUL 

Taiwan indicted former army Maj. Gen. Kao An-kuo and five others on charges of accepting money from China to build an armed stronghold for Beijing, prosecutors said Wednesday.

In addition to being accused of taking funds, the defendants were also indicted for recruiting military personnel and spying on key locations, according to a statement by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office.

After the investigation was concluded, during which 26 locations were targeted and 47 individuals questioned, a public prosecution was filed with the court Jan. 20, said the Office.

Prosecutors asked specifically for “heavy” sentences -- a minimum sentence of 10 years for Kao and from three and half years up to eight years for the others.

Taiwan also indicted a politician and six former military officers earlier this month on charges of espionage on behalf of China.

China views Taiwan as a “breakaway province” despite Taipei having governed itself since 1949. Beijing has vowed to reunify the island, including by force if necessary.