An international survey involving dozens of press organizations has revealed how Beijing exploits the world’s global institutions to the United Nations – to silence criticism and extend its authoritarian scope in the world.
Directed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the project, Chinese targetsbrought together more than 100 journalists from 42 media organizations, including Radio Free Asia.
During a period of 10 months, journalists interviewed 105 people in 23 countries which had been prosecuted, harassed or threatened by the Chinese authorities – often for having simply expressed dissent online or engaging in peaceful activism.
Targets include defenders of democracy from China and Hong Kong, as well as Uighur and Tibetan exiles. Many have described digital surveillance experiences, threats to family members still in China and transnational pressure campaigns carried out through diplomatic or legal channels.
Chinese targets Document How the demonstrations were deleted during foreign visits to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Since 2019, at least seven of the 31 trips in the XI have seen local police have or harass demonstrators.
The investigation also revealed that Beijing armed international organizations such as Interpol – abusing its red notice system to target dissidents – and co -opted from the United Nations to monitor and intimidate human rights defenders, in particular those who speak of abuse to Xinjiang and Tibet.
In a very publicized case, the documents examined by the FRG show that the Chinese authorities have enlisted the billionaire Jack Ma to try to personally persuade a Chinese businessman whose extradition was requested in France to return to China.
Revelations are involved in the midst of international concerns on Beijing’s efforts to reshape the standards and global institutions in accordance with its political interests. Critics warn that these movements undermine international frameworks originally designed to protect fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Edited by Mat Pennington.