China using ‘lawfare’ to target Taiwan and pro-independence voices, US commission says

A US congressional commission has accused China of increasingly using legal and judicial mechanisms as political tools against Taiwan, describing the practice as part of a broader "lawfare" strategy aimed at advancing Beijing's territorial and political objectives.

According to the report, China is using legal processes to intimidate, punish and suppress individuals it views as challenging its claims over Taiwan.

Taiwanese lawmaker faces criminal investigation

The commission highlighted the case of Puma Shen, a legislator from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, who was placed on a Chinese sanctions list in 2024.

Chinese authorities in Chongqing later launched a criminal investigation against Shen, accusing him of being a "diehard Taiwan independence separatist".

The report said the move reflected an escalation in Beijing's approach towards Taiwan and marked a significant development in cross-border repression efforts.

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First use of new judicial measures against a Taiwanese legislator

According to the commission, this is the first known case of a Taiwanese lawmaker being subjected to criminal proceedings since China introduced judicial measures targeting individuals it labels as staunch supporters of Taiwanese independence.

Experts cited in the report said the case demonstrates a shift from administrative penalties to criminal enforcement, reinforcing Beijing's position that Taiwan remains part of Chinese territory.

The report argued that such actions are intended not only to punish individuals but also to deter political activism and advocacy linked to Taiwanese sovereignty.

Pressure beyond Taiwan

The commission also examined China's efforts to extend its influence internationally, including alleged attempts to pressure the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a global network of lawmakers focused on coordinating democratic responses to China's policies.

According to the report, Beijing sought to undermine IPAC's summit in Brussels last year, where Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed participants.

Questions raised over diplomatic pressure

IPAC Executive Director Luke de Pulford said only two of the 12 invited African representatives attended the Brussels gathering.

The report noted concerns that Chinese diplomatic pressure may have influenced several countries to limit participation in the event.

The commission concluded that Beijing's actions reflect a broader effort to use legal, diplomatic and political tools beyond its borders to shape international perceptions of Taiwan and discourage support for the self-governed island.