A recently enacted law in China, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, poses a significant threat to critics living abroad, according to a Taiwanese security official. The law, which came into force this week, mandates that all Chinese citizens uphold national unity and permits legal action against any person or organization accused of fostering division, even if they are located outside China.
The official highlighted that China is using this law as a tool for transnational repression, employing five primary strategies to target dissenters overseas. These methods include criminalizing speech critical of the government made outside of China, intimidating critics by retaliating against their families, leveraging international legal frameworks such as Interpol red notices to track dissidents, designating supporters of pro-democracy movements as extremists, and engaging in abductions or forced repatriations.
Concerns over violations of international law and diplomatic norms have been raised by allegations that China is operating overseas police stations to keep tabs on and exert pressure on its critics in other countries. This practice, if confirmed, would represent a significant breach of international protocols and could further strain China’s relations with other nations.
In response to the potential risks posed by this law, Taiwan has intensified efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with traveling to China. The Taiwanese government is also enhancing measures to counteract activities that could facilitate foreign interference, demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens and maintaining its sovereignty in the face of increasing external pressures.