China faces backlash over pressure on dissidents abroad but remains undeterred

China is currently facing a strong backlash from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, regarding its controversial efforts to pressure dissidents and their advocates abroad. Despite arrests, expulsions, and investigations taking place, Beijing remains persistent and undeterred in its actions.

Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks, suggests that the increasingly assertive Beijing is becoming more aggressive with its overseas influence operations. The confrontation between China and the Western nations continued when Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat over alleged attempts to intimidate a Canadian politician critical of China’s human rights record. In retaliation, Beijing ordered a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai to leave the country, calling out Ottawa’s “unreasonable actions.”

Canada, the United States, and several European nations have taken measures against China’s alleged covert police stations abroad. These stations target dissidents and those accused of “financial crimes.” While the Chinese government denies the existence of these stations, it acknowledges that volunteer-run centres operate outside China to assist Chinese citizens with documents and other services.

The United States is sceptical about China’s claims and remains undeterred in its efforts to counter Chinese pressure campaigns. With actions taken by the US Justice Department and the arrest of two individuals in New York accused of links to a “secret police station,” the United States seeks international cooperation against China’s operations.

Beijing’s increasing tensions are tied to President Xi Jinping’s domestic security focus, China’s ongoing campaign against corruption, and concerns about unrest in the Xinjiang region. This aggressive approach, which contradicts international norms, widens the rift between the US and China on issues ranging from Taiwan to technology.

Following Canada’s expulsion of Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, a Canadian lawmaker criticised China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority. Diplomatic tensions between the countries have been high since Canada’s 2018 detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, followed by the arrest of two Canadians on espionage charges. All three were freed last year.

Sarah Kreps, director of the Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University, believes China continues to push its influence operations due to the low likelihood of retaliation from the United States. Furthermore, China’s status as the world’s second-largest economy allows it to withstand any global reputation damage and maintain its trade ties, focusing on its national interests.

Even after the recent diplomatic spat, the executive director of the Canada-China Business Council, Sarah Kutulakos, believes that it has had little impact on their business relationship. Last year, China lifted a three-year ban on canola imports from Canada, and it remains a significant importer of Canadian potash and wheat.

However, some analysts argue that China’s emphasis on its security and intensified rivalry with the United States could undermine its efforts to reconnect with the world, especially after years of COVID-19 restrictions, reports Channel News Asia.