A Taiwanese security official has expressed concerns that China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, enacted this week, could greatly enhance Beijing’s capacity to target its critics residing overseas. This legislation mandates that Chinese citizens must uphold national unity and permits legal proceedings against individuals or groups accused of fostering division, regardless of their location.
The security official highlighted that China employs several methods of transnational repression, including criminalizing anti-government speech abroad, retaliating against critics by targeting their families, and utilizing international legal frameworks such as Interpol red notices to pursue dissidents. Moreover, the law enables the labeling of pro-democracy supporters as extremists and even involves abductions or forced repatriations.
Allegations were also made by the official regarding China’s operation of overseas police stations, which are purportedly used to monitor and exert pressure on critics in other countries. Such actions have raised significant concerns about potential violations of international law and diplomatic norms, according to the official.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is taking measures to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with traveling to China. Additionally, the government is strengthening its efforts to counter activities that may facilitate foreign interference, aiming to safeguard its citizens from potential repercussions under the new Chinese law.