Operation Fox Hunt: How China Exports Repression Using a Network of Spies Hidden in Plain Sight
ProPublicaSep 07, 2021
Three Convicted of Harassing New Jersey Family for PRC
The Facts
Former New York City police sergeant Michael McMahon and two Chinese citizens living in the US, Zheng Congying and Zhu Yong, were convicted on Tuesday of several charges concerning Beijing's notorious Operation Fox Hunt.
A Brooklyn federal jury found Michael guilty of illegally acting as an agent of a foreign government, stalking, and conspiracy to engage in interstate stalking. He could face up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
These convictions indicate a long-due change in the US approach in response to the unwise position of the PRC. While the details of Operation Fox Hunt are not exactly a surprise due to the authoritarian nature of the Chinese government, the program exposes Beijing's utter disregard for the sovereignty of other countries when it comes to persecuting Chinese citizens.
Pro-China narrative
China's Fox Hunt operation, which targets corrupt suspects who flee the country to avoid being brought to justice, relies exclusively on law enforcement cooperation with other countries to track down fugitives. Despite the US slandering the PRC's efforts, the US has become a haven for criminals by failing to fulfill its international obligations and commitments.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that China will score at least 5.72 on the Human Freedom Index in 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.