In the lead-up to China‘s major political events next week, authorities are reportedly increasing surveillance and restrictions on dissidents across the country. Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports that activists and prominent critics are being placed under house arrest or sent on enforced “vacations” to prevent any protests during the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing.
Gao Yu, a respected political journalist, shared on her X account the intensified state security presence in Beijing. “With the parliamentary sessions approaching, Beijing is really unbearable,” she said, highlighting the intrusive measures taken by state security to monitor and restrict the movements of critics.
The crackdown is not limited to the capital. Dissidents in provinces such as Hebei, Jiangsu, and Guizhou, as well as in cities like Wuhan, are also facing surveillance or restrictions. Beijing-based dissident Ji Feng told RFA about being taken on an enforced “vacation” by state security, a tactic used to isolate and silence activists during politically sensitive times.
The actions come as a response to peaceful protests against the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Sichuan province, which would submerge historic monasteries and displace numerous Tibetan villages. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, at least 300 villagers who traveled to Derge county government to voice their opposition were detained.
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The measures extend beyond activists, with sweeps in areas typically home to migrants and increased controls on who can enter Beijing. Zhang, a Beijing-based lawyer, and Guo, a Beijing resident, both reported being contacted by state security with instructions that indicate heightened surveillance and control.
This year’s parliamentary sessions are being met with a crackdown on freedom of movement and expression, affecting not only activists but also ordinary citizens and religious groups. Members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu and a pastor in Qingdao have also received warnings against leaving their homes or speaking out during the sessions.
As China‘s most significant legislative meetings approach, the actions taken by the authorities highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those seeking to exercise their basic rights within the country. With international attention on the situation, calls for the release of detained protesters and respect for human rights are growing louder.
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