A senior security official from Taiwan has issued a warning regarding China’s newly enacted Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which could potentially increase Beijing’s reach in targeting its critics abroad. The law, effective this week, mandates Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and authorizes legal actions against those accused of inciting division, irrespective of their location.
The Taiwanese official outlined that China employs several strategies for transnational repression. These include criminalizing anti-government expressions made overseas and intimidating critics by retaliating against their family members. Additionally, China is accused of utilizing international legal systems, such as Interpol red notices, to pursue dissidents. The official further claimed that Beijing labels supporters of pro-democracy movements as extremists and engages in abductions or forced repatriations.
Concerns have been raised over China’s alleged operation of overseas police stations intended to monitor and exert pressure on critics residing in foreign nations. Such activities have sparked worries about potential violations of international law and diplomatic protocols.
In response to these developments, Taiwan has initiated measures to heighten public awareness about the risks associated with traveling to China. The country is also enhancing its efforts to thwart activities that could facilitate foreign interference.