Chinese Political Repression Spreads to Japanese Soil, HRW Raises Concerns
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a warning stating that the Chinese government’s political repression is no longer confined within the borders of China. According to HRW, Chinese citizens residing in Japan are facing intimidation to prevent them from engaging in activities deemed as ‘anti-China’. The group highlighted that Chinese authorities are utilising ‘transnational repression’ to target Chinese nationals in Japan, especially minorities hailing from Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, in order to deter them from protesting against the Chinese government or participating in activities deemed as critical towards China.
Based in New York, the HRW conducted interviews with 25 individuals from regions such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and other parts of China, who are currently living in Japan. The interviewees disclosed that they had received warnings from Chinese authorities, occasionally through their relatives residing in China. These individuals had organised public events to raise awareness about the Uyghur minority, promote Tibetan culture, and facilitate discussions on Mongolian activism.
The HRW emphasised that such activities, even when carried out beyond China’s borders, are perceived as threatening the one-party rule by the Chinese government. Teppei Kasai, Asia programme officer at HRW, remarked, “Chinese authorities seem unhesitant in silencing individuals from China residing in Japan who speak out against Beijing’s violations.” Kasai further stressed the need for the Japanese government to firmly convey to Beijing that it will not tolerate China’s transnational repression within Japan.
One individual cited that they discontinued involvement in politically sensitive activities after receiving a call from Chinese authorities in 2024. Ethnic Uyghurs from Xinjiang shared similar experiences of being approached by Chinese authorities, either through their relatives in China or via WeChat, instructing them to cease engaging in anti-China activities or demanding information about the Uyghur community in Japan. Additionally, a Taiwanese individual, engaged in activism concerning Hong Kong from a third country, revealed being repeatedly invited by the Chinese embassy to collect purportedly important documents, which they declined apprehensive of potential detention or backlash.
While Beijing has been previously accused of using coercion, detainment, and threats to suppress dissenting voices and deter others from speaking out, the recent allegations extend beyond China’s territorial jurisdiction. Reports indicate that affluent Chinese individuals have migrated to Japan in recent years due to disillusionment with the political system and economic stagnation. By the end of 2023, Japan boasted 822,000 Chinese residents, reflecting a notable increase of 60,000 from the previous year, marking a significant surge in migration in recent times.
The Chinese government has not yet responded to the HRW report. Previously, Beijing has refuted claims of targeting Chinese citizens residing abroad, asserting its respect for the sovereignty of other nations. Beijing has maintained that it upholds the legal rights and freedoms of Chinese citizens in line with the law and prioritises safeguarding the safety and lawful rights of overseas Chinese citizens.
The Independent has reached out to the Chinese embassy in Tokyo for further comments on the matter.