MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — Retired Chinese official Li Chuanliang was recuperating from cancer on a Korean resort island when he received an alarming call alerting him not to return to China. There in a cafe, he realized he had become a fugitive.
After fleeing to the U.S. on a tourist visa and seeking asylum, Li found that the Chinese government was not giving up the chase. Using sophisticated surveillance technology that tracks communications and movements, the Chinese authorities relentlessly pursued him, leading to distress among his friends and family, whom they threatened and detained.
They track you 24 hours a day. All your electronics, your phone — they’ll use every method to find you, your relatives, your friends, where you live, Li stated, reflecting on the terrifying reality of constant surveillance.
Recent investigations have revealed that such technologies, many developed by U.S. companies like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft, are integral to China's extensive surveillance operations. They have enabled Beijing to not only punish nearly 900,000 officials last year due to perceived corruption but also extend their reach internationally, undermining foreign sovereignty.
This pursuit is part of operations known as 'Fox Hunt' and 'Sky Net,' which aim to bring back over 14,000 individuals labeled as corrupt or dissenters. Critics argue these initiatives merely serve as a method for the Chinese government to silence opposition and instill fear among those who dare to challenge the regime.
Despite claiming a commitment to combating corruption, reports suggest that surveillance technology is also used to stifle dissent within the nation and beyond, causing a chilling atmosphere among critics like Li, who has faced ongoing harassment from unidentified agents across multiple countries.
Within the U.S., industry experts have raised alarm over the implications of these technologies being utilized for political persecution rather than their intended purposes. As the global landscape shifts, the intersection of surveillance technology, government control, and human rights presents an urgent concern for society and policymakers alike.
Li’s experience exemplifies the alarming trend of tech companies contributing to governmental overreach. The ongoing hunt showcases how deeply intertwined technology is with state power, bringing forth ethical concerns that transcend borders, ultimately calling into question the accountability of corporations in the realm of human rights.
