Overview
- An Associated Press investigation reports that Beijing relies on surveillance systems, many built with U.S. technology, to control and monitor officials at home and abroad.
- Former vice mayor Li Chuanliang’s communications were monitored, his assets were seized, and police databases tracked his movements as more than 40 friends and relatives were identified and detained.
- Beijing alleges roughly $435 million in corruption against Li, who denies taking bribes or embezzling funds and says he is targeted for criticizing the Chinese Communist Party.
- After fleeing China, Li has resettled with an exiled Chinese church community in Midland, Texas, where he records online videos criticizing the party.
- Procurement records and internal documents tie tools from IBM, Oracle and Microsoft to Chinese security units, and Li says he still encounters stalking in the United States as the FBI flags potential transnational harassment.