Li Chuanliang, a retired Chinese official, was advised to flee China while recuperating from cancer on a Korean resort island, becoming a fugitive due to his criticisms of the Chinese government. After arriving in the U.S. on a tourist visa and applying for asylum, he found that the Chinese government continued to pursue him using advanced surveillance technology. This included monitoring his communications, seizing his assets, and tracking his family members through police databases and facial recognition software.

The Chinese government has reportedly used such technology to identify and punish nearly 900,000 officials in a crackdown on corruption, which critics argue is also employed to suppress dissent and retaliate against perceived enemies. Operations known as "Fox Hunt" and "Sky Net" have been established to target former officials and dissidents abroad, with over 14,000 individuals reportedly coerced back to China from various countries.

Li's case illustrates the extent to which U.S. technology firms, including IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft, have contributed to China's surveillance capabilities. These companies have provided software that enables the Chinese authorities to track individuals and their associates, raising concerns about the implications of corporate involvement in state repression.

Li, accused by the Chinese government of corruption amounting to approximately $435 million, maintains that he is being targeted for his outspoken criticism rather than any legitimate criminal activity. His experiences reflect a broader pattern of state aggression against dissenters, where the Chinese government employs surveillance not only to maintain control domestically but also to extend its reach internationally.

Despite the risks, Li has continued to speak out against the Chinese regime, emphasizing the chilling effect of such surveillance on individuals who dare to criticize the government. His story serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between technology, state power, and human rights.