China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which came into effect this week, has sparked concerns from a Taiwanese security official who warns that it may enhance Beijing’s reach in targeting critics residing abroad. The law mandates that all Chinese citizens uphold national unity and allows for legal proceedings against those accused of promoting division, regardless of their location.
The official elaborated on the five primary strategies China utilizes for transnational repression. These include criminalizing anti-government expressions made overseas, pressuring critics by retaliating against their families, exploiting international legal tools like Interpol red notices to chase dissidents, branding pro-democracy supporters as extremists, and executing abductions or forced returns.
Additionally, concerns have been raised over China’s alleged operation of overseas police stations intended to monitor and coerce critics in foreign nations. Such actions have triggered apprehensions regarding potential breaches of international law and diplomatic conventions.
In light of these developments, Taiwan is taking steps to bolster public awareness about the dangers associated with traveling to China. It is also enhancing measures to combat activities that might facilitate foreign interference.