China’s recent enactment of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law has sparked concerns over its potential to expand Beijing’s influence over critics residing overseas, according to a Taiwanese security official. The law, which came into effect this week, mandates Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and permits legal proceedings against those accused of fostering division, irrespective of their location.
The official outlined that China employs several strategies for transnational repression. These include criminalizing anti-government expressions made abroad, intimidating critics by targeting their families, utilizing international legal tools such as Interpol red notices to pursue dissidents, labeling advocates of pro-democracy movements as extremists, and engaging in abductions or forced repatriations.
Concerns have also been raised regarding China’s operation of overseas police stations. These stations are allegedly used to monitor and exert pressure on critics residing in foreign nations, which could constitute violations of international law and diplomatic protocols.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is heightening public awareness about the risks associated with traveling to China. The island nation is also bolstering its efforts to counter activities that could enable foreign interference, aiming to protect its citizens from potential repercussions stemming from Beijing’s new legal measures.