Human Rights Watch Urges China to Release Detained Taiwanese Activist Yang Chih Yuan

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Chinese government to immediately release Taiwanese political activist Yang Chih Yuan and revoke his conviction. Yang was secretly convicted on August 26, 2024, for engaging in political activities in Taiwan, with details of his sentencing only revealed on September 6. HRW strongly condemns the trial, which was held behind closed doors without public disclosure of evidence or court documents.

Beijing’s Crackdown on Taiwanese Activism
Maya Wang, HRW’s associate China director, criticised the prosecution of Yang, stating, “The Chinese government has effectively criminalised being Taiwanese by prosecuting Yang for exercising his basic rights in Taiwan.” HRW claims that Yang’s trial is part of Beijing’s strategy to intimidate the Taiwanese population and bolster its claims over Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Violation of Human Rights and Due Process
HRW has also highlighted numerous violations of due process during Yang’s detention and trial. Yang was reportedly held incommunicado for two years, without access to legal representation or his family. After being detained in China in August 2022, he was placed under “residential surveillance in a designated location,” a practice criticized by the United Nations as akin to “enforced disappearance.”

Taiwanese Independence Advocacy Criminalised
In June 2024, just two months before Yang’s trial, China introduced judicial guidelines criminalizing any activities related to Taiwanese independence. Peaceful acts like promoting Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations, teaching about Taiwan’s democracy, or advocating its history separate from China, are now considered illegal. According to HRW, these guidelines infringe on basic human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and public participation.

Yang’s Political Background and Arrest
Yang’s arrest stemmed from his involvement in promoting Taiwanese independence between 2008 and 2020. During that period, he founded the Taiwan National Party and supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the United Nations. Despite no involvement in political activities during his stay in China, Yang was formally arrested in April 2023 for “separatist” activity.

Human Rights Watch insists that the Chinese government’s actions have violated international human rights law and urges immediate global attention to this alarming case.