A Taiwanese security official has raised concerns about China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which they warn could broaden Beijing’s reach to suppress dissent among its critics living overseas. This law, which came into effect this week, mandates all Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and authorizes legal measures against those accused of promoting division, regardless of their location.
The official pointed out that Beijing employs several strategies for transnational repression. These include criminalizing anti-government expressions made abroad, intimidating critics by threatening their families, exploiting international legal frameworks like Interpol red notices to target dissidents, labeling supporters of pro-democracy movements as extremists, and engaging in abductions or forced repatriations.
Furthermore, the official accused China of running overseas police stations, which allegedly serve to monitor and exert pressure on critics in other nations. Such actions potentially violate international law and diplomatic norms, intensifying global concerns over Beijing’s expanding influence.
In response to these developments, Taiwan has pledged to amplify public awareness about the potential risks associated with traveling to China. The island nation is also enhancing measures to counteract foreign interference activities, which are increasingly seen as a threat to its sovereignty and security.