A new law in China, titled the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, has sparked concerns among Taiwanese officials about its potential to intensify Beijing’s crackdown on critics living overseas. The legislation, which became effective this week, mandates that all Chinese citizens advocate for national unity. It also empowers the government to take legal action against those accused of fostering division, irrespective of their geographical location.
According to a Taiwanese security official, China employs several strategies to exert control over dissenters abroad. These include criminalizing anti-government speech outside its borders, intimidating critics by targeting their families, leveraging international legal tools like Interpol red notices to track down dissidents, branding pro-democracy advocates as extremists, and engaging in abductions or enforced repatriations.
The official further accused China of setting up overseas police stations to surveil and apply pressure on critics residing in other countries. This practice has raised significant concerns regarding potential breaches of international law and diplomatic protocols.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is taking measures to bolster public awareness about the risks associated with traveling to China. The island nation is also stepping up efforts to counteract operations that support foreign interference, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and maintaining sovereignty.