UPDATE: A retired Chinese official, Li Chuanliang, is now a fugitive in the U.S. after exposing corruption within the Chinese government. Currently in Midland, Texas, Li faces relentless pursuit from Beijing, which employs advanced surveillance technology to track him and his family.
Li’s terrifying journey began while he was recovering from cancer on a Korean island. A friend warned him not to return to China, informing him he had become a target. Days later, he fled to the U.S. on a tourist visa and has since applied for asylum. Despite his distance from China, he remains under the watchful eye of Chinese authorities, who are leveraging sophisticated surveillance systems to monitor his communications and movements.
Chinese operatives have reportedly detained over 40 of Li’s friends and family members, including his pregnant daughter, utilizing facial recognition software to track their whereabouts.
“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 shared, highlighting the chilling reality of surveillance he experiences even thousands of miles away.
The Chinese government has been accused of using U.S.-developed surveillance technology to identify and punish officials and dissidents. Last year alone, nearly 900,000 officials were targeted domestically, with the technology also facilitating operations known as “Fox Hunt” and “Sky Net,” aimed at coercing former officials and their families abroad. Critics argue that these initiatives serve to stifle dissent and enforce retribution on perceived enemies.
Li, who previously held a position in the economic crime investigation bureau, has been accused of corruption amounting to $435 million. However, he claims these allegations are unfounded and stem from his outspoken criticism of the government. He has launched the Chinese Tyrannical Officials Whistleblower Center in the U.S. to aid others in similar situations.
As of now, the U.S. government has expressed concern over China’s operations aimed at targeting expatriates and dissidents. The FBI has identified Li as a possible victim of a crime involving an unregistered Chinese agent, signaling the seriousness of his situation.
Li’s future is uncertain. The Trump administration has paused all asylum applications, leaving him vulnerable to potential deportation back to China, where he could face dire consequences. He emphasizes the urgency of his plight, stating,
“Why am I speaking up? Today, it’s me. Tomorrow, it might be you.”
As this story develops, it highlights the broader implications of international surveillance and the lengths to which governments will go to maintain control over dissenters. The global community watches closely as Li continues to navigate this precarious path, advocating for his safety and the safety of others like him who dare to challenge oppressive regimes.
