**
Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has raised alarms about China’s recent legislation that empowers the state to prosecute individuals and organisations globally for actions deemed detrimental to its “ethnic unity”. Speaking at a security forum in Taiwan, Freeland stated that the law echoes the arguments used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to rationalise his invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Her remarks highlight the pressing need for democratic nations to confront China’s aggressive legal posture.
A Disturbing Echo of History
In her keynote address delivered at the Ketagalan Forum, organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside a local think tank, Freeland elaborated on the implications of China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which took effect on July 1. The law includes provisions that allow for the prosecution of actions outside China that “undermine ethnic unity and progress or create ethnic division,” a phrase that critics argue is dangerously vague and open to interpretation.
Freeland compared this legislative move to Putin’s 2021 essay in which he claimed that Russians and Ukrainians were “one people”. This narrative, she pointed out, preceded Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. “Article 63 is particularly sinister,” Freeland remarked, drawing parallels between China’s justifications for its actions and Russia’s historical precedents of encroaching on neighbouring sovereign states.
Taiwan’s Strategic Significance
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, remains under constant threat from Beijing, which views the island as a breakaway province. The new Chinese law could provide additional legal justifications for targeting individuals in Taiwan who are perceived as separatists. Freeland argued that this situation not only poses a challenge to Taiwan but also necessitates a robust response from democratic nations worldwide.
In her speech, Freeland underscored the strategic significance of Taiwan, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, likening its position to that of Ukraine in the drone industry. She asserted that Taiwan’s technological prowess makes it an indispensable partner for democratic allies, emphasising the need to reduce dependence on supply chains that run through authoritarian regimes.
The Call for Democratic Solidarity
Freeland implored her fellow democracies to stand resolute against any attempts to disrupt the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stating that the peace of the region hinges on a clear and united front. “The peace of the Strait of Taiwan will be kept by the plainness with which the world’s democracies say in advance that we will not accept that peace being broken,” she declared.
Additionally, she advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a move that would further integrate the island into the global economy and bolster its democratic resilience.
Lessons From the Past
Reflecting on her own experiences as a journalist covering Ukraine’s tumultuous history and her role in Canadian politics during Russia’s full-scale invasion, Freeland stressed that appeasing authoritarian regimes does not foster security. She cited past failures to respond decisively to Russian aggression, arguing that such complacency emboldened Putin. “We taught Putin to believe we would not have the resolve to support Ukraine,” she insisted.
Freeland’s insights serve as a warning against complacency regarding China’s expanding influence and legal reach, urging a proactive stance among democracies to prevent potential encroachments on sovereignty.
Why it Matters
Freeland’s remarks resonate far beyond the immediate context of China and Taiwan; they encapsulate a growing recognition among democratic nations that authoritarianism poses a significant threat to global stability. As China asserts its influence through legal frameworks that blur the lines of sovereignty, the international community faces a crucial moment of decision. The need for a united and unequivocal response to such actions is paramount, as the lessons from Ukraine and other geopolitical flashpoints remind us that the cost of inaction can be dire. Solidarity with Taiwan and a clear rejection of unjust legal claims are not merely acts of support; they are essential to maintaining the principles of democracy and freedom on a global scale.