A recent conviction in the United States has shed light on the continued threats faced by those who advocate for democratic reforms and human rights, including Tibetans, at the hands of Chinese intelligence operations. Wang Shujun, a Chinese-American academic, was found guilty on Tuesday for unlawfully acting as a foreign agent. He was convicted of secretly gathering intelligence on pro-democracy activists, including those supporting the Tibetan cause, and relaying this information to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Wang, who deceptively positioned himself as a critic of the Chinese government to gain the trust of dissidents, used his role in a pro-democracy organization he co-founded to covertly collect sensitive information. His network reportedly targeted activists across various movements, including those advocating for the independence of Tibet, Uyghur rights, and Hong Kong’s democratic freedoms.
This conviction has brought attention to the ongoing dangers faced by Tibetans and other human rights defenders who oppose China’s oppressive policies. Wang’s actions, as detailed by a federal jury in New York, involved composing emails styled as “diaries” that documented the plans and communications of dissidents. To avoid detection, these emails were saved as drafts in a shared account, which Chinese intelligence officials accessed using a common password. Wang also sent encrypted messages detailing pro-democracy events, including those related to Tibet, and meetings with prominent dissidents.
Arrested in March 2022, Wang’s activities have been under scrutiny for years. After moving to New York in 1994 and becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, he co-founded the Queens-based Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation, named after two Chinese leaders who had supported reform in the 1980s. Despite initially denying any connection with the MSS during FBI interviews, Wang eventually admitted on videotape to being tasked by the Chinese intelligence agency to collect information on democracy advocates, including Tibetan activists.
As Tibetans continue to strive for their rights and freedoms, this case highlights the lengths to which the Chinese government is willing to go to suppress voices of dissent. The conviction of Wang Shujun serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive reach of Chinese repression, extending far beyond its borders to target those who dare to speak out against its actions. Wang is scheduled for sentencing on January 9, 2025, and faces up to 25 years in prison.
In response to the conviction, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, dismissed the case as part of the United States’ so-called “political manipulation” and “malicious fabrication” of the narrative surrounding China’s transnational repression. However, for Tibetans and others who have experienced the heavy hand of Chinese control, Wang’s conviction is a significant acknowledgment of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
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