Beijing's long arm: The West should take China at its word and no longer tolerate interference in internal affairs

China's government professes a commitment to non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. Yet, Beijing's actions reveal an increasingly ruthless approach to safeguarding its economic and national interests on the global stage.

A stark example emerged when a Chinese dissident, Qi Hong, sought help from London police regarding frozen accounts. He was met not with assistance, but with a tirade from a translator, who, speaking fluent Mandarin, questioned why he left China and urged him to return. The police stated the translation service was outsourced, but NGOs suspect China's United Front Work Department, a Communist Party organization, infiltrates such providers.

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Why did you leave your country? China is great, go back to your country.

Similarly, the founders of Chinese AI startup Manus faced repercussions after selling their Singapore-based company to Meta. Chinese authorities ordered the sale reversed and imposed an "exit ban" on the founders, preventing them from leaving China. This move underscores Beijing's determination to prevent its technological innovations from falling into the hands of rivals like the United States, viewing such advancements through the lens of national security.

Even Chinese investors seeking higher returns abroad are not immune. As more wealthy Chinese look to move capital beyond national borders, the government intervenes to halt capital outflow. These actions demonstrate a pattern of asserting control over economic and technological assets, regardless of international norms or the location of businesses.

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Exit ban