China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, now in effect, has raised alarms in Taiwan over its potential to broaden Beijing’s reach in silencing critics abroad. A Taiwanese security official cautioned that this law mandates Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and grants legal rights to pursue those accused of fostering division, irrespective of their location.
The official outlined five key strategies China employs to suppress dissent across borders. These include criminalizing anti-government speech made overseas, intimidating critics by threatening their families, leveraging international legal tools like Interpol red notices to track down dissidents, branding backers of pro-democracy movements as extremists, and engaging in abductions or forced returns.
Concerns over potential breaches of international law and diplomatic standards have intensified with allegations that China operates covert police stations in foreign countries. These facilities are reportedly used to surveil and exert pressure on critics, adding another dimension to the transnational repression strategies.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is taking proactive measures. The government is working to heighten public awareness about the dangers associated with traveling to China. Additionally, efforts are being ramped up to combat activities that might enable foreign interference, aiming to safeguard its citizens and maintain national security.