Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has instructed law enforcement agencies within the state to focus on identifying and apprehending individuals involved in influence operations directed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or the Chinese government.
This executive order aims to safeguard Texans from organized campaigns of harassment and intimidation emerging from China, particularly against Chinese dissidents who are being pressured to return to their home country.
“The Chinese Communist Party has engaged in a worldwide harassment campaign against Chinese dissidents in attempts to forcibly return them to China,” he said. “Texas will not tolerate the harassment or coercion of the more than 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home by the Chinese Communist Party or its heinous proxies.”
“Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority,” he continued. “I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify and bring criminal charges against individuals who harass Texans on behalf of this hostile foreign adversary. We will continue to do everything we can to protect Texans from the unlawful and repressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party.”
The governor has also ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to collaborate with federal authorities in order to pinpoint and charge those associated with foreign governments who are thought to be committing crimes against dissidents.
Additionally, this directive sets in motion the development of policy suggestions from officials on effectively countering the threats posed by foreign harassment initiatives. Abbott has mandated the establishment of a new hotline where individuals can report any suspected acts of repression or coercion from foreign entities.
