China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law has sparked concern among Taiwanese officials, who fear it could enhance Beijing’s reach in targeting critics abroad. Effective this week, the law mandates Chinese citizens to uphold national unity and permits legal proceedings against anyone, anywhere, accused of promoting division. This development is seen as a potential tool for China to extend its influence and suppress dissent beyond its borders.
According to a Taiwanese security official, China employs several strategies for transnational repression. These include criminalizing anti-government speech made overseas, retaliating against the families of critics, utilizing international legal tools like Interpol red notices to hunt down dissidents, branding pro-democracy advocates as extremists, and executing abductions or forced repatriations. Such actions allow China to maintain a tight grip on dissent, even when it originates from foreign soil.
In addition to these measures, the official claimed that China runs overseas police stations to keep tabs on and exert pressure on its critics residing in other countries. This practice has raised alarms over potential breaches of international law and diplomatic norms, as it suggests an overreach of Chinese authority into foreign jurisdictions.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is taking steps to safeguard its citizens and mitigate the risks associated with travel to China. Efforts are being made to increase public awareness about the potential dangers and to bolster mechanisms that counter foreign interference. This proactive approach aims to protect Taiwanese nationals from the expanded reach of China’s new legislation.
