**
Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has raised alarms over China’s newly enacted law that permits it to prosecute individuals and entities worldwide for actions deemed as undermining its “ethnic unity.” In a recent address at a security forum in Taiwan, she drew disturbing comparisons to the rhetoric employed by Vladimir Putin prior to his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, urging democratic nations to confront this new legal framework with unwavering resolve.
A Law with Global Implications
Freeland’s comments came in response to China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which took effect on July 1. This legislation stipulates that individuals and organisations outside of China can be held accountable for any actions perceived to “undermine ethnic unity and progress” or create ethnic divisions. Critics of the law have highlighted its vague wording, which could allow Beijing to interpret it broadly, potentially targeting dissenters across the globe.
During her keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum, hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Freeland articulated the serious implications of such a law. She noted that the language used in Article 63 of the legislation eerily mirrors the justifications employed by Russia to assert its claims over Ukraine, stating, “The parallels are chilling, particularly considering the tragic events we have witnessed in recent years.”
Taiwan’s Vulnerability and the Need for Solidarity
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, stands at the forefront of Chinese aggression, with Beijing continuing to assert its claim over the island as a breakaway province. Freeland highlighted that the new Chinese law provides an additional legal basis for the Chinese government to target those in Taiwan it labels as separatists. With the island’s 24 million inhabitants facing the looming threat of invasion, the urgency for international solidarity has never been more pressing.
Reflecting on her own background, Freeland recalled her time as a journalist covering the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and later as deputy prime minister during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She emphasised that history teaches us appeasing authoritarian regimes only emboldens them. “The lesson of history is clear,” she asserted, urging democracies to take a firm stance against such encroachments on sovereignty.
Lessons from History: The Need for a Strong Response
Freeland’s remarks also touched upon the broader implications of failing to confront authoritarianism. She pointed to previous instances of Western inaction, including Russia’s incursions into Georgia and Crimea, stating that such muted responses have led to a belief among aggressors that they can act with impunity. “We taught Putin to believe we would not have the resolve to support Ukraine,” she lamented, underscoring the importance of a united front against any potential threats.
Notably, Freeland underscored Taiwan’s critical role in global supply chains, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. She argued that, much like Ukraine’s burgeoning drone industry, Taiwan’s technological capabilities make it essential to democratic allies, reducing their dependence on supply chains that pass through authoritarian regimes.
A Call for Action and Support
Freeland’s call to action extended beyond rhetoric. She urged democratic partners to vocally oppose any disruptions to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stating, “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 also advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a vital trade pact that could further integrate Taiwan into the global economy and bolster its standing against Chinese aggression.
In response to Freeland’s comments, China’s embassy in Canada did not provide immediate feedback. However, the state-run Global Times denounced the Ketagalan Forum as a platform for fringe politicians promoting “Taiwan independence,” highlighting the tensions surrounding the discourse on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Why it Matters
Freeland’s powerful address at the Ketagalan Forum highlights a pivotal moment in the global conversation surrounding authoritarianism and democracy. As nations grapple with the implications of China’s expansive legal reach, the need for a coordinated response is critical. The parallels drawn between Chinese and Russian tactics serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction. The stakes are high, not only for Taiwan but for the global order, as democracies must stand united to safeguard their values and territorial integrity against encroaching threats.
