FBI Houston has issued a warning alert on China’s government is possibly targeting U.S.-based individuals who question the legitimacy or authority of the Chinese Communist Party.

Officials said the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) may be cyberstalking, physically intimidating and harassing Chinese citizens, naturalized U.S. citizens and families of dissidents who speak out against the party.

    •  tardigrada   ( @tardigrada@beehaw.org ) OP
      8•6 months ago

      As FBI director Wray is cited in ‘How China Tries to Intimidate Its Dissidents Living Overseas’ (2020), for example:

      In one case, according to Wray, the CCP “sent an emissary to visit the target’s family here in the United States.” This emissary warned the target that he or she “had two options: return to China promptly, or commit suicide.”

      A more recent analysis on China’s illegal police stations can be found at ‘China’s Consular Volunteers.’

      But there are very good sources across the web.

      Addition:

      In December 2021, a ‘Private Investigator’ working for the CCP has been advised to also consider physically attacking the Victim. In a voice message intercepted by the police, it was said:

      You can start thinking now, aside from violence, what other plans are there? Huh? But in the end, violence would be fine too. Huh? Beat him [chuckles], beat him until he cannot run for election. Heh, that’s the-the last resort. You-you think about it. Car accident, [he] will be completely wrecked [chuckles], right? Don’t know, eh, whatever ways from all different angles.

      Source

      •  alyaza [they/she]   ( @alyaza@beehaw.org ) 
        2•6 months ago

        this is such a false equivalence it might as well be a nonsequitur–this isn’t “demonstrating basic inferential science that has been known about for over 100 years”, it amounts to an accusation of violating the sovereignty of another country and yes, that should be seriously scrutinized and demonstrated (especially given the tensions between the US and China, and the long tail of anti-Asian sentiment caused by COVID)

        •  millie   ( @millie@beehaw.org ) English
          6•6 months ago

          So what would you say is the appropriate course of action? For the FBI to out the identities and statements of people who report Chinese state harassment in the US? To keep the information entirely a secret otherwise?

          Like, the FBI warning people that there’s a danger without totally tipping their hand seems like a reasonable move to make if they have such evidence. They don’t need to present it in order to do that.

          Likewise, while it would certainly make a better story and a better read if it provided some additional background information, that’s not what this piece is. It’s literally just reporting the announcement.

          Honestly, I’m not sure where your opposition to it is outside of simply reacting to criticism of the Chinese government. Which, honestly, is a little shady.