China’s Transnational Repression: Silencing Critics in Japan
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The Chinese government’s long arm of oppression has reached Japan, targeting critics and dissenters from Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia, according to a recent Human Rights Watch report. This systematic harassment aims to silence individuals who engage in activities deemed politically sensitive by Beijing, undermining the principles of freedom of expression and assembly.
Between June and August 2024, 25 individuals from Hong Kong and mainland China were interviewed, all of whom had participated in peaceful activities that challenge the Chinese Communist Party’s authority. These activities include raising awareness about human rights abuses in Xinjiang and promoting Tibetan culture. Many reported direct intimidations from Chinese authorities, who contacted their families back home to pressure them into ceasing their activism.
Chinese authorities have utilized coercive measures, such as contacting relatives of activists living in Japan, pressuring them to dissuade their family members from continuing their activities. Officials have also visited relatives’ homes, demanding they sign documents stating the activist would cease their protests. This tactic instills fear in activists and places their families at risk of reprisals.
The Chinese government has also used technology to monitor and intimidate critics abroad. Activists reported receiving threatening messages via WeChat from officials demanding they stop their anti-government activities or provide information about fellow dissidents. This digital surveillance extends to everyday interactions, creating a chilling effect on free expression.
The repercussions of this transnational repression extend beyond individual activists, undermining the broader principles of freedom of expression and assembly. Many individuals expressed reluctance to engage in any form of political discourse due to fears for their safety and that of their families.
Human Rights Watch is calling on the Japanese government to take a proactive stance against transnational repression by China. Japan has condemned these actions internationally and must now establish robust mechanisms to safeguard those facing intimidation from foreign states.
Japan’s response should include establishing a reporting system for residents facing harassment, enhancing protections against deportation or extradition, and coordinating with international bodies to safeguard those at risk. By doing so, Japan can affirm its commitment to upholding human rights and supporting those who dare to speak out against oppression, regardless of where they reside.
