TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Wednesday that Taiwan has procedures to help citizens facing suspected Chinese intimidation or coercion abroad, CNA reported.
Lin made the remarks after Chinese democracy activist Jie Li-jian was attacked in Flushing, New York. Reports said three Asian men followed Jie and beat him with sticks near Queens Botanical Garden, leaving him seriously injured.
Jie reportedly suffered a serious head injury and remained unconscious for two days. After waking in intensive care, he said he would not be intimidated and urged other potential targets to protect themselves, Liberty Times reported.
Lin said Taiwanese who face coercion overseas can contact Taiwan’s representative offices for assistance. The foreign ministry also works with other governments to coordinate responses to such cases, he said.
Lin said China has extended its laws and enforcement activities into democratic countries. He cited overseas Chinese police stations, some of which have been investigated, declared illegal, or closed by local authorities.
FTV News described the attackers as suspected Chinese agents, but US authorities have not publicly confirmed any link to the Chinese government. Lin said the foreign ministry would continue working with other countries to address suspected cases of transnational repression.
