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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53155160

Archived

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The crackdown is broad and systematic, and extends beyond democracy movements. Over 300 people have been arrested in national security cases since June 2020, with around 200 formally charged and dozens convicted. Prosecuted people include activists, community organisers, former legislators, journalists and student leaders. In one significant case, 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians were prosecuted for organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which in a democracy would be considered normal political activity.

Suppression extends beyond organised opposition to basic civic engagement. After a major fire in November 2025, at least five people who questioned government responsibility and demanded accountability were arrested or detained. Even trivial activities now carry national security implications.

Independent civil society is being dismantled and replaced with state-aligned structures, mirroring mainland China’s model. The government has created state-aligned community committees and fire-prevention mutual aid committees that extend monitoring and political management into everyday community life. Control is no longer exercised only through top-down enforcement but through bottom-up networks embedded in local communities.

[...]

The diaspora has become the primary vehicle for organised civic resistance. Exiled journalists report on seditious topics and counter government disinformation. Organisations such as the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and Washington DC-based Hong Kong Watch conduct advocacy and sanctions campaigns.

[...]

Reversing this process will be a long-term effort, not achievable through any single policy change. Domestically, it is key to preserve an accountability culture, civic identity and historical memory. Hong Kong’s diaspora preserves the memory that Hong Kong was once defined by freedom of expression, rule of law and a vibrant civil society.

Internationally, governments must recognise that this is not only a local issue but a challenge to international norms and the advance of a broader authoritarian governance model. Responses must include sustained diplomatic pressure, coordinated sanctions against those responsible for abuses, legal frameworks to address transnational repression and stronger protections for diaspora communities and independent media.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53153566

Archived

The rights group 'Article 19' is alarmed by a recent smear campaign carried out by the Chinese embassy in the Philippines targeting an investigative journalism outlet following their reporting on Chinese influence operations in the country. The online harassment is part of a broader pattern of transnational repression and influence operations in the Philippines’ information space that seeks to discredit China-critical narratives. It undermines the right of the media to independently carry out critical journalism and share information in the public interest.

'Article 19' calls for the Chinese embassy to cease its harassment of independent journalists, and for Filipino authorities to use available diplomatic channels and protection mechanisms to respond and maintain the safety of the targeted outlet.

[...]

In October 2025, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) published print and video reporting by Regine Cabato analysing Chinese influence operations in the country. Following publication, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines shared a series of Facebook posts smearing the investigative outlet, attacking their credibility and suggesting their reporting served foreign, rather than Philippine, interests.

PCIJ found that accounts aligned with ex-president Rodrigo Duterte quickly circulated the embassy’s initial post, resulting in over 400 re-shares to a combined audience of at least 3 million followers within 24 hours. In a 2025 hearing, Duterte-aligned influencers had confirmed participation in Chinese-funded media training seminars, with one participant stating he ‘gained an understanding of “how China media works”’. These subsidised trips are a common tactic in China’s foreign information manipulation operations playbook; they persuade local elites and other non-Chinese proxies to push Beijing’s preferred narratives.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53155160

Archived

[...]

The crackdown is broad and systematic, and extends beyond democracy movements. Over 300 people have been arrested in national security cases since June 2020, with around 200 formally charged and dozens convicted. Prosecuted people include activists, community organisers, former legislators, journalists and student leaders. In one significant case, 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians were prosecuted for organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which in a democracy would be considered normal political activity.

Suppression extends beyond organised opposition to basic civic engagement. After a major fire in November 2025, at least five people who questioned government responsibility and demanded accountability were arrested or detained. Even trivial activities now carry national security implications.

Independent civil society is being dismantled and replaced with state-aligned structures, mirroring mainland China’s model. The government has created state-aligned community committees and fire-prevention mutual aid committees that extend monitoring and political management into everyday community life. Control is no longer exercised only through top-down enforcement but through bottom-up networks embedded in local communities.

[...]

The diaspora has become the primary vehicle for organised civic resistance. Exiled journalists report on seditious topics and counter government disinformation. Organisations such as the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and Washington DC-based Hong Kong Watch conduct advocacy and sanctions campaigns.

[...]

Reversing this process will be a long-term effort, not achievable through any single policy change. Domestically, it is key to preserve an accountability culture, civic identity and historical memory. Hong Kong’s diaspora preserves the memory that Hong Kong was once defined by freedom of expression, rule of law and a vibrant civil society.

Internationally, governments must recognise that this is not only a local issue but a challenge to international norms and the advance of a broader authoritarian governance model. Responses must include sustained diplomatic pressure, coordinated sanctions against those responsible for abuses, legal frameworks to address transnational repression and stronger protections for diaspora communities and independent media.

[...]

Archived

Several Chinese airlines, including national carrier Air China, said they will raise their fuel surcharges on domestic flights from Sunday as the war in the Middle East drives up oil prices globally.

Air China, China Southern and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines said in statements that they will increase surcharges on flights of up to 800 kilometers by 60 yuan ($8.70), and 120 yuan for longer flights. Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines also announced fuel surcharge hikes.

International flights will be subject to the system's calculations, according to statements issued on Wednesday that did not mention the conflict.

The move comes as the war in the Middle East, and Iran's effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, have sent crude prices soaring.

[...]

Archived

[...]

The crackdown is broad and systematic, and extends beyond democracy movements. Over 300 people have been arrested in national security cases since June 2020, with around 200 formally charged and dozens convicted. Prosecuted people include activists, community organisers, former legislators, journalists and student leaders. In one significant case, 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians were prosecuted for organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which in a democracy would be considered normal political activity.

Suppression extends beyond organised opposition to basic civic engagement. After a major fire in November 2025, at least five people who questioned government responsibility and demanded accountability were arrested or detained. Even trivial activities now carry national security implications.

Independent civil society is being dismantled and replaced with state-aligned structures, mirroring mainland China’s model. The government has created state-aligned community committees and fire-prevention mutual aid committees that extend monitoring and political management into everyday community life. Control is no longer exercised only through top-down enforcement but through bottom-up networks embedded in local communities.

[...]

The diaspora has become the primary vehicle for organised civic resistance. Exiled journalists report on seditious topics and counter government disinformation. Organisations such as the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation and Washington DC-based Hong Kong Watch conduct advocacy and sanctions campaigns.

[...]

Reversing this process will be a long-term effort, not achievable through any single policy change. Domestically, it is key to preserve an accountability culture, civic identity and historical memory. Hong Kong’s diaspora preserves the memory that Hong Kong was once defined by freedom of expression, rule of law and a vibrant civil society.

Internationally, governments must recognise that this is not only a local issue but a challenge to international norms and the advance of a broader authoritarian governance model. Responses must include sustained diplomatic pressure, coordinated sanctions against those responsible for abuses, legal frameworks to address transnational repression and stronger protections for diaspora communities and independent media.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53153566

Archived

The rights group 'Article 19' is alarmed by a recent smear campaign carried out by the Chinese embassy in the Philippines targeting an investigative journalism outlet following their reporting on Chinese influence operations in the country. The online harassment is part of a broader pattern of transnational repression and influence operations in the Philippines’ information space that seeks to discredit China-critical narratives. It undermines the right of the media to independently carry out critical journalism and share information in the public interest.

'Article 19' calls for the Chinese embassy to cease its harassment of independent journalists, and for Filipino authorities to use available diplomatic channels and protection mechanisms to respond and maintain the safety of the targeted outlet.

[...]

In October 2025, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) published print and video reporting by Regine Cabato analysing Chinese influence operations in the country. Following publication, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines shared a series of Facebook posts smearing the investigative outlet, attacking their credibility and suggesting their reporting served foreign, rather than Philippine, interests.

PCIJ found that accounts aligned with ex-president Rodrigo Duterte quickly circulated the embassy’s initial post, resulting in over 400 re-shares to a combined audience of at least 3 million followers within 24 hours. In a 2025 hearing, Duterte-aligned influencers had confirmed participation in Chinese-funded media training seminars, with one participant stating he ‘gained an understanding of “how China media works”’. These subsidised trips are a common tactic in China’s foreign information manipulation operations playbook; they persuade local elites and other non-Chinese proxies to push Beijing’s preferred narratives.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53153867

Several sitting members of the Human Rights Council are among the States showing weak cooperation with UN Special Procedures, whether by leaving country visit requests unanswered for years or by failing to provide substantive replies to communications. The pattern raises serious concerns about whether Council members are meeting the level of cooperation expected of States elected to the UN’s principal human rights body.

Archived

Data shows that some current Council members have accumulated high numbers of pending or declined visit requests over the past five years. Of the 13 States with 10 or more pending or declined requests during the period, nine currently sit on the Council.

China records the highest number, with 21 requests still awaiting confirmation.

Other States with high numbers that also happen to be current Council members include Indonesia (18), South Africa (17), India (17), and Kenya (14).

[...]

The concern is even greater where the unanswered requests come from mandates dealing with grave violations. The Special Rapporteur on torture and the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances currently face the highest numbers of pending visit requests globally, with 40 and 38, respectively.

The Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders also faces persistent barriers to access, with 18 pending requests and two formal declines over the past five years. When access is withheld from mandates addressing these violations, allegations cannot be independently examined on the ground, victims lose visibility, and States avoid scrutiny in areas where accountability is most urgent.

Country visits are one of the UN’s most important tools for examining human rights conditions at the national level.

[...]

Several sitting members of the Human Rights Council are among the States showing weak cooperation with UN Special Procedures, whether by leaving country visit requests unanswered for years or by failing to provide substantive replies to communications. The pattern raises serious concerns about whether Council members are meeting the level of cooperation expected of States elected to the UN’s principal human rights body.

Archived

Data shows that some current Council members have accumulated high numbers of pending or declined visit requests over the past five years. Of the 13 States with 10 or more pending or declined requests during the period, nine currently sit on the Council.

China records the highest number, with 21 requests still awaiting confirmation.

Other States with high numbers that also happen to be current Council members include Indonesia (18), South Africa (17), India (17), and Kenya (14).

[...]

The concern is even greater where the unanswered requests come from mandates dealing with grave violations. The Special Rapporteur on torture and the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances currently face the highest numbers of pending visit requests globally, with 40 and 38, respectively.

The Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders also faces persistent barriers to access, with 18 pending requests and two formal declines over the past five years. When access is withheld from mandates addressing these violations, allegations cannot be independently examined on the ground, victims lose visibility, and States avoid scrutiny in areas where accountability is most urgent.

Country visits are one of the UN’s most important tools for examining human rights conditions at the national level.

[...]

Archived

The rights group 'Article 19' is alarmed by a recent smear campaign carried out by the Chinese embassy in the Philippines targeting an investigative journalism outlet following their reporting on Chinese influence operations in the country. The online harassment is part of a broader pattern of transnational repression and influence operations in the Philippines’ information space that seeks to discredit China-critical narratives. It undermines the right of the media to independently carry out critical journalism and share information in the public interest.

'Article 19' calls for the Chinese embassy to cease its harassment of independent journalists, and for Filipino authorities to use available diplomatic channels and protection mechanisms to respond and maintain the safety of the targeted outlet.

[...]

In October 2025, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) published print and video reporting by Regine Cabato analysing Chinese influence operations in the country. Following publication, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines shared a series of Facebook posts smearing the investigative outlet, attacking their credibility and suggesting their reporting served foreign, rather than Philippine, interests.

PCIJ found that accounts aligned with ex-president Rodrigo Duterte quickly circulated the embassy’s initial post, resulting in over 400 re-shares to a combined audience of at least 3 million followers within 24 hours. In a 2025 hearing, Duterte-aligned influencers had confirmed participation in Chinese-funded media training seminars, with one participant stating he ‘gained an understanding of “how China media works”’. These subsidised trips are a common tactic in China’s foreign information manipulation operations playbook; they persuade local elites and other non-Chinese proxies to push Beijing’s preferred narratives.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53121782

Archived

A court in Taiwan awarded Chunghwa Telecom more than half a million US dollars in compensation for the damage a Chinese vessel caused to a subsea telecom cable. The financial award comes on top of a three-year prison sentence Taiwan imposed in June 2025 on the Chinese national who was commanding a decrepit vessel with a murky identity.

[...]

It came out in court in June 2025 that the captain, who would only give his name as Wang according to media reports, had ordered two sailors to drop anchor in a well-marked zone prohibiting anchoring and marked on charts to have critical undersea infrastructure. Early on the morning of February 25, the vessel was observed moving in a zigzag pattern. Chunghwa Telecom reported an outage on its cable Tai-Peng 3, which runs to the offshore islands of Penghu.

[...]

A court in Taiwan convicted the captain in June 2025 and sentenced him to three years in jail [...] The captain later appealed, but a court in Taiwan rejected his case.

[...]

This and several other incidents prompted Taiwan to dramatically increase its monitoring of vessels. It said it was specifically targeting ships with third-world flags like the Togo registry of this vessel. It asserted that the vessels are all Chinese-owned and present an increasing danger to Taiwan as tensions escalate with China and the demands for reunification.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/53121782

Archived

A court in Taiwan awarded Chunghwa Telecom more than half a million US dollars in compensation for the damage a Chinese vessel caused to a subsea telecom cable. The financial award comes on top of a three-year prison sentence Taiwan imposed in June 2025 on the Chinese national who was commanding a decrepit vessel with a murky identity.

[...]

It came out in court in June 2025 that the captain, who would only give his name as Wang according to media reports, had ordered two sailors to drop anchor in a well-marked zone prohibiting anchoring and marked on charts to have critical undersea infrastructure. Early on the morning of February 25, the vessel was observed moving in a zigzag pattern. Chunghwa Telecom reported an outage on its cable Tai-Peng 3, which runs to the offshore islands of Penghu.

[...]

A court in Taiwan convicted the captain in June 2025 and sentenced him to three years in jail [...] The captain later appealed, but a court in Taiwan rejected his case.

[...]

This and several other incidents prompted Taiwan to dramatically increase its monitoring of vessels. It said it was specifically targeting ships with third-world flags like the Togo registry of this vessel. It asserted that the vessels are all Chinese-owned and present an increasing danger to Taiwan as tensions escalate with China and the demands for reunification.

Archived

A court in Taiwan awarded Chunghwa Telecom more than half a million US dollars in compensation for the damage a Chinese vessel caused to a subsea telecom cable. The financial award comes on top of a three-year prison sentence Taiwan imposed in June 2025 on the Chinese national who was commanding a decrepit vessel with a murky identity.

[...]

It came out in court in June 2025 that the captain, who would only give his name as Wang according to media reports, had ordered two sailors to drop anchor in a well-marked zone prohibiting anchoring and marked on charts to have critical undersea infrastructure. Early on the morning of February 25, the vessel was observed moving in a zigzag pattern. Chunghwa Telecom reported an outage on its cable Tai-Peng 3, which runs to the offshore islands of Penghu.

[...]

A court in Taiwan convicted the captain in June 2025 and sentenced him to three years in jail [...] The captain later appealed, but a court in Taiwan rejected his case.

[...]

This and several other incidents prompted Taiwan to dramatically increase its monitoring of vessels. It said it was specifically targeting ships with third-world flags like the Togo registry of this vessel. It asserted that the vessels are all Chinese-owned and present an increasing danger to Taiwan as tensions escalate with China and the demands for reunification.