URGENT UPDATE: An alarming new report reveals that Li Chuanliang, a retired Chinese official, is under relentless pursuit by the Chinese government, even while seeking asylum in the United States. After fleeing to escape accusations of corruption amounting to $435 million, Li is facing an unprecedented campaign of surveillance and intimidation, raising serious questions about international safety and human rights.
Li’s plight began while he was recuperating on a Korean resort island. An urgent call warned him not to return to China, declaring him a fugitive. Days later, he was spotted in a café, prompting him to flee to the U.S. on a tourist visa, where he applied for asylum. However, even on American soil, he is not free—Chinese authorities are reportedly employing advanced surveillance technology to track him.
Reports indicate that over 40 of Li’s friends and family members, including his pregnant daughter, have already been detained in China as part of Beijing’s extensive crackdown on dissidents. They are utilizing technology from American firms like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft to monitor communications and movements. Li himself stated, “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.”
In an investigation spanning continents, it has been revealed that China’s Fox Hunt and Sky Net operations are being used to target former officials who criticize the government. These operations have reportedly led to the coercion and return of over 14,000 individuals from more than 120 countries.
“They’re actively pursuing those who fled China…to demonstrate power,” said Yaqiu Wang, a fellow at the University of Chicago. “The chilling effect is enormously effective.”
Li’s case highlights the disturbing reality of how surveillance technology is being weaponized to suppress dissent, especially against those like Li, who exposed corruption within the Chinese political system. In 2013, he risked everything to report on the corrupt practices of his superiors, leading to the arrest of a local party boss. However, his whistleblowing has since turned him into a target.
As Li now resides in Midland, Texas, he continues to raise awareness about his situation and that of others like him through online platforms. He remains fearful but committed to speaking out against the oppression he faced in China, stating, “Why am I speaking up? Today, it’s me. Tomorrow, it might be you.”
The U.S. government has acknowledged the threat posed by Chinese surveillance efforts abroad. The White House has stated it will pursue any violations of U.S. law related to these actions. However, Li’s future remains uncertain as he navigates the asylum process amidst a pause on applications initiated by the previous administration.
As this situation develops, it raises pressing questions about the international implications of China’s surveillance capabilities and the safety of dissidents seeking refuge in the West. The world is watching closely as Li’s story unfolds, serving as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the global fight for human rights and freedom of expression.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as Li Chuanliang’s fight for asylum and safety continues to draw attention worldwide.
