at one's own peril

Thus, China experts are constantly on the look-out for Chinese stand-ins. Dissidents, pro-Western activists, any Wang who can waive the American flag. The collaborators are showered with media coverage, prizes, and stipends, visa, freedom awards, and even Nobel Peace prizes. This tactic didn't get unnoticed by the zhishi fenzi (intellectuals), a class who would do anything for Western media attention - like the artist who in May sliced himself and cut out his own rib for a "more open China".

If Beijing dares to protest, there will be ever harsher Western media campaigns: China is told it must not impede on Westerners' "freedom" to slowly destabilize the country from within: Censor them, and they will tattletale. Incarcerate them, and they will become martyrs. Ignore them at your own peril.

This is the last sentence in the paragraph. What does the author mean?

Here is the link of the article: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/CHIN-01-231014.html
It's the penultimate paragraph of the article.