A Taiwanese security official has expressed concern that China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law could greatly enhance Beijing’s reach in targeting dissenters living abroad. The law, which has recently come into effect, mandates all Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and permits legal action against those accused of fostering division, irrespective of their global location.
The security official outlined five primary strategies employed by China for transnational repression. These strategies include criminalizing anti-government speech made overseas, intimidating critics by threatening their families, using international legal frameworks such as Interpol red notices to chase dissidents, branding supporters of pro-democracy efforts as extremists, and conducting abductions or forced repatriations.
Additionally, there is an allegation that China is operating overseas police stations to surveil and exert pressure on critics in other nations. This practice has sparked concerns about potential breaches of international law and diplomatic conventions. The presence of these stations could indicate a broader pattern of behavior that challenges established norms.
In response to these developments, Taiwan has taken steps to heighten public awareness about the potential risks associated with traveling to China. It is also bolstering initiatives to counter foreign interference activities. By doing so, Taiwan aims to protect its citizens and uphold its sovereignty amid growing external pressures.