Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order today aimed at protecting Texans from harassment and coercion orchestrated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The order directs the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to identify and prosecute individuals involved in CCP influence operations, such as “Operation Fox Hunt,” which seeks to forcibly return Chinese dissidents to China.
“The Chinese Communist Party has launched a global campaign of intimidation, targeting dissidents to silence them and coerce their return to China,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas will not stand by while the CCP or its proxies threaten or harass the more than 250,000 people of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home. Protecting the safety and well-being of all Texans is a top priority. I have instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to take action against those who commit crimes on behalf of this hostile foreign entity. We will continue to fight against the CCP’s unlawful and repressive actions.”
Key Measures Under the Executive Order
Under Governor Abbott’s directive, DPS will immediately implement a series of measures to counter CCP influence operations in Texas:
- Identifying and Prosecuting Criminals: DPS will work to identify and bring charges against individuals involved in crimes targeting Chinese dissidents or other Texans on behalf of foreign governments.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Through the Texas Fusion Center, DPS will collaborate with local and federal law enforcement to assess incidents of foreign influence and extend protections to Texans against international harassment.
- Monitoring and Reporting Repression: DPS will document individuals suspected of planning or executing acts of repression. By January 15, 2025, the department will provide policy recommendations to counter such threats and develop training programs for recognizing and reporting these activities.
- Enhancing Reporting Systems: Texans can now report suspected acts of oppression or coercion by PRC or CCP operatives through a newly introduced hotline, the iWatch Texas Community Reporting System, or the iWatchTexas mobile app. Reports can be submitted anonymously at iwatchtx.org or by calling 844-643-2251.
Commitment to Safety
Governor Abbott’s order reinforces Texas’ dedication to safeguarding its residents from foreign interference and protecting their rights and freedoms. By taking a firm stance against CCP influence, the state aims to ensure a safe environment for all Texans, free from intimidation or coercion by hostile foreign actors.
CCP Targeting of Chinese-Americans and Falun Gong Practitioners in the U.S.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been accused of extending its campaign of persecution beyond China’s borders, targeting Chinese-Americans, particularly those who fled due to religious or spiritual persecution. A statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on July 20, 2024, titled “25 Years of PRC Government Repression and Abuse of Falun Gong”, highlighted the CCP’s methods of harassment and intimidation, even within the United States.
This persecution primarily affects individuals practicing Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline that the CCP began systematically targeting in July 1999. At the time, there were an estimated 70 million to 100 million Falun Gong practitioners in China.
A Continued Campaign of Abuse
Over the past 25 years, the CCP’s efforts against Falun Gong practitioners have included severe human rights abuses, such as torture, forced psychiatric treatments, and even killings. There have been credible reports of the CCP harvesting organs from detained Falun Gong practitioners, a practice condemned as a grave violation of human rights. These actions are intended to pressure practitioners to abandon their faith, often through coercive and brutal means.
What Is Falun Gong?
Falun Gong, or Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice rooted in traditional values that emphasizes self-improvement through the study of teachings, as well as gentle exercises and meditation, according to the practice’s website. The teachings emphasize adhering to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and encourage learners to let go of unhealthy habits (or attachments), such as desiring fame, being prideful, and ignoring the welfare of others.
Info Website: https://faluninfo.net/
Learn the actual Practice Website: https://en.falundafa.org/
CCP Influence Beyond Borders
The CCP’s repression of Falun Gong practitioners is not confined to mainland China. Chinese-Americans, particularly those who openly advocate for Falun Gong, have reported being surveilled, harassed, and even threatened by CCP agents or their affiliates. These acts represent an alarming overreach of the Chinese government, undermining the safety and freedoms of individuals living in democratic societies like the United States.
The U.S. government’s recent statement underscores its commitment to defending human rights and calls for accountability for those involved in these abuses. It also highlights the importance of vigilance against foreign interference targeting American citizens, ensuring that such persecution does not take root on U.S. soil.
