Tang Yuanjun, a well-known Chinese dissident exiled in the US, made headlines in August 2024 after being arrested by the FBI. Despite his history of participating in the Tiananmen Square protests and fighting for democracy, he admitted to spying for the Chinese government. This shocking revelation highlights the complex and sometimes controversial nature of political activism and exile. Tang’s actions were driven by a desire to reunite with his ailing parents in China, showing the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and family. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by exiled activists and the difficult choices they must make.
https://www.economist.com/china/2024/12/26/how-china-turns-members-of-its-diaspora-into-spies