A new legislative development in China is raising alarms for Taiwan, as a security official there has expressed concerns over the potential for increased persecution of overseas critics. China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which came into effect this week, mandates that Chinese citizens uphold national unity. Significantly, it empowers authorities to take legal action against individuals or organizations deemed to be promoting division, regardless of their global location.
The Taiwanese official highlighted several strategies that China employs to suppress dissent beyond its borders. These include criminalizing anti-government speech made overseas, intimidating critics through threats or actions against their family members, and utilizing international legal tools, such as Interpol red notices, to track and apprehend dissidents. In addition, the official noted that China labels supporters of pro-democracy movements as extremists and engages in abductions or forced repatriations.
Further exacerbating these concerns are claims that China operates clandestine police stations in foreign countries. These facilities reportedly serve to monitor and exert pressure on expatriates and critics, a practice that raises significant worries about violations of international law and diplomatic norms.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is taking proactive measures to safeguard its citizens. The government is boosting public awareness regarding the heightened risks associated with traveling to China. Moreover, efforts are being intensified to counteract activities that might facilitate foreign interference within Taiwan’s borders.