Skip to main content

Wilson Memo | The Great Wall of Steel: China’s Use of Transnational Repression to Target Uyghurs

Image - Wilson Memo The Great Wall of Steel: China’s Use of Transnational Repression to Target Uyghurs
Image - Wilson Memo The Great Wall of Steel: China’s Use of Transnational Repression to Target Uyghurs

This Wilson Memo, "The Great Wall of Steel: China’s Use of Transnational Repression to Target Uyghurs," provides insights on the dramatic increase in China's strategic targeting of the Uyghur Muslim population since 1997. The memo examines China's repressive practices such as: asset freezes; passport controls; cyberattacks and malware; intimidation and surveillance from its embassies and consulates; pressure on families and coercion-by-proxy; spying through informants; smear campaigns; abuse of Interpol; abuse of extradition treaties; and use of partner security services to detain Uyghurs wherever they reside, etc.. The memo also provides key policy recommendations for protecting the Uyghur population that the United States can act on. 

To read Bradley Jardine's full publication, click here.

About the Author

Bradley Jardine image

Bradley Jardine

Former Public Policy Fellow;
Director of Research, Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs
Read More

Congressional Relations

The Wilson Center’s office of Congressional Relations works to maintain a vibrant relationship with Members of Congress and their staffs. We organize and run a series of educational programs led by Wilson Center experts, ranging from seminars to private briefings, with the purpose of increasing congressional staffers’ knowledge of foreign policy. We also coordinate outreach to Capitol Hill, including testimonies by Wilson Center scholars and briefings specifically for Members of Congress.  Read more

Kissinger Institute on China and the United States

The Kissinger Institute works to ensure that China policy serves American long-term interests and is founded in understanding of historical and cultural factors in bilateral relations and in accurate assessment of the aspirations of China’s government and people.  Read more