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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52743751

Archived

A case of suspected surveillance targeting Uyghur activists was reported during a Uyghur human rights symposium held on February 25 at Japan’s House of Representatives Members’ Office Building in Tokyo.

The event was organized by the Japan Uyghur Association and co-sponsored by the World Uyghur Congress.

According to reports, a suspicious man was observed repeatedly photographing participants inside the venue, drawing the attention of organizers and Japanese security authorities. Upon questioning by police, the individual admitted he had been paid to take photos and had no personal interest in the symposium itself.

Japanese media, including Sankei Shimbun, reported that the man was a Chinese student studying at a university in Tokyo. He stated that he had been asked by an acquaintance to attend the event and photograph participants in exchange for a payment of 6,000 yen. He also admitted to attending a similar Uyghur-related event at the same venue in September of the previous year, where he had engaged in comparable activities.

Organizers expressed concern that images of attendees could be shared with Chinese authorities, potentially placing the families of Uyghur participants in danger back in their homeland. Some Uyghurs involved in organizing such events reportedly avoid revealing their identities for this reason.

This incident is not considered isolated. According to the World Uyghur Congress, many Uyghurs living abroad fear ongoing surveillance and intimidation. Reports indicate that individuals posing as students or attendees have repeatedly monitored Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese dissident communities, photographing participants at public gatherings.

[...]

Observers say such actions reflect broader patterns of “transnational repression,” where individuals and communities are monitored or pressured beyond national borders. The case has also raised concerns in Japan about the lack of a strong legal framework to address such activities, particularly as the incident occurred within a parliamentary facility.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52743346

Detained artist Gao Zhen on trial on March 30 with the trial hearing be held behind closed doors, according to a report by the right group Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Authorities will not allow Gao’s family to attend, in violation of Chinese law.

Before announcing the trial date, Sanhe City Court held a pre-trial hearing on March 24, less than two weeks after it had postponed the start of his trial for the third time.

“Gao Zhen has the right to freedom of artistic expression. The use of a contrived, retroactively applied law and a closed trial underscores serious due process violations,” said Shane Yi, researcher at Chinese Human Rights Defenders. “The charges should be dropped and Gao Zhen released immediately.”

[...]

Gao Zhen, who will turn 70 in May 2026, has a number of pre-existing medical conditions, including lumbar spine disease, knee effusion, an eye disease, and chronic hives. His health has deteriorated during detention and he has been deprived of food at the Sanhe City Detention Center. These conditions may amount to torture or ill-treatment under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which China ratified in 1988.

In addition to detaining Gao, authorities have arbitrarily banned his wife, Zhao Yaliang, and their seven-year-old son, a citizen of the United States, from leaving China, a form of collective punishment to penalize them by family association.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52743751

Archived

A case of suspected surveillance targeting Uyghur activists was reported during a Uyghur human rights symposium held on February 25 at Japan’s House of Representatives Members’ Office Building in Tokyo.

The event was organized by the Japan Uyghur Association and co-sponsored by the World Uyghur Congress.

According to reports, a suspicious man was observed repeatedly photographing participants inside the venue, drawing the attention of organizers and Japanese security authorities. Upon questioning by police, the individual admitted he had been paid to take photos and had no personal interest in the symposium itself.

Japanese media, including Sankei Shimbun, reported that the man was a Chinese student studying at a university in Tokyo. He stated that he had been asked by an acquaintance to attend the event and photograph participants in exchange for a payment of 6,000 yen. He also admitted to attending a similar Uyghur-related event at the same venue in September of the previous year, where he had engaged in comparable activities.

Organizers expressed concern that images of attendees could be shared with Chinese authorities, potentially placing the families of Uyghur participants in danger back in their homeland. Some Uyghurs involved in organizing such events reportedly avoid revealing their identities for this reason.

This incident is not considered isolated. According to the World Uyghur Congress, many Uyghurs living abroad fear ongoing surveillance and intimidation. Reports indicate that individuals posing as students or attendees have repeatedly monitored Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese dissident communities, photographing participants at public gatherings.

[...]

Observers say such actions reflect broader patterns of “transnational repression,” where individuals and communities are monitored or pressured beyond national borders. The case has also raised concerns in Japan about the lack of a strong legal framework to address such activities, particularly as the incident occurred within a parliamentary facility.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52743346

Detained artist Gao Zhen on trial on March 30 with the trial hearing be held behind closed doors, according to a report by the right group Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Authorities will not allow Gao’s family to attend, in violation of Chinese law.

Before announcing the trial date, Sanhe City Court held a pre-trial hearing on March 24, less than two weeks after it had postponed the start of his trial for the third time.

“Gao Zhen has the right to freedom of artistic expression. The use of a contrived, retroactively applied law and a closed trial underscores serious due process violations,” said Shane Yi, researcher at Chinese Human Rights Defenders. “The charges should be dropped and Gao Zhen released immediately.”

[...]

Gao Zhen, who will turn 70 in May 2026, has a number of pre-existing medical conditions, including lumbar spine disease, knee effusion, an eye disease, and chronic hives. His health has deteriorated during detention and he has been deprived of food at the Sanhe City Detention Center. These conditions may amount to torture or ill-treatment under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which China ratified in 1988.

In addition to detaining Gao, authorities have arbitrarily banned his wife, Zhao Yaliang, and their seven-year-old son, a citizen of the United States, from leaving China, a form of collective punishment to penalize them by family association.

[...]

Archived

A case of suspected surveillance targeting Uyghur activists was reported during a Uyghur human rights symposium held on February 25 at Japan’s House of Representatives Members’ Office Building in Tokyo.

The event was organized by the Japan Uyghur Association and co-sponsored by the World Uyghur Congress.

According to reports, a suspicious man was observed repeatedly photographing participants inside the venue, drawing the attention of organizers and Japanese security authorities. Upon questioning by police, the individual admitted he had been paid to take photos and had no personal interest in the symposium itself.

Japanese media, including Sankei Shimbun, reported that the man was a Chinese student studying at a university in Tokyo. He stated that he had been asked by an acquaintance to attend the event and photograph participants in exchange for a payment of 6,000 yen. He also admitted to attending a similar Uyghur-related event at the same venue in September of the previous year, where he had engaged in comparable activities.

Organizers expressed concern that images of attendees could be shared with Chinese authorities, potentially placing the families of Uyghur participants in danger back in their homeland. Some Uyghurs involved in organizing such events reportedly avoid revealing their identities for this reason.

This incident is not considered isolated. According to the World Uyghur Congress, many Uyghurs living abroad fear ongoing surveillance and intimidation. Reports indicate that individuals posing as students or attendees have repeatedly monitored Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese dissident communities, photographing participants at public gatherings.

[...]

Observers say such actions reflect broader patterns of “transnational repression,” where individuals and communities are monitored or pressured beyond national borders. The case has also raised concerns in Japan about the lack of a strong legal framework to address such activities, particularly as the incident occurred within a parliamentary facility.

[...]

Detained artist Gao Zhen on trial on March 30 with the trial hearing be held behind closed doors, according to a report by the right group Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Authorities will not allow Gao’s family to attend, in violation of Chinese law.

Before announcing the trial date, Sanhe City Court held a pre-trial hearing on March 24, less than two weeks after it had postponed the start of his trial for the third time.

“Gao Zhen has the right to freedom of artistic expression. The use of a contrived, retroactively applied law and a closed trial underscores serious due process violations,” said Shane Yi, researcher at Chinese Human Rights Defenders. “The charges should be dropped and Gao Zhen released immediately.”

[...]

Gao Zhen, who will turn 70 in May 2026, has a number of pre-existing medical conditions, including lumbar spine disease, knee effusion, an eye disease, and chronic hives. His health has deteriorated during detention and he has been deprived of food at the Sanhe City Detention Center. These conditions may amount to torture or ill-treatment under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which China ratified in 1988.

In addition to detaining Gao, authorities have arbitrarily banned his wife, Zhao Yaliang, and their seven-year-old son, a citizen of the United States, from leaving China, a form of collective punishment to penalize them by family association.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690224

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690219

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690224

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690219

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___