World News | Canada Tibet Committee Executive Director Warns Canadian Panel of China’s Expanding Transnational Repression | LatestLY

Sherap Therchin, Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), delivered a stark and personal testimony before Canada’s Subcommittee on International Human Rights, warning that China’s transnational repression is widening in scope and already affecting people in Canada.

Appearing at a hybrid session held under the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Therchin detailed the consequences he has faced since being sanctioned by the Chinese government on December 21, 2024. He described the sanctions as both symbolic and deeply impactful, noting that being labeled a threat to national security and sovereignty has prompted sustained harassment and intimidation.

Therchin said the period following the sanctions has been marked by relentless digital and psychological pressure. He cited repeated phishing attempts, malware attacks aimed at the CTC’s website, and a stream of threatening online messages from unidentified sources. In response, he and his colleagues have adopted stricter cybersecurity practices, including the use of VPNs and other protective measures. While necessary, these steps have disrupted routine operations and serve as a constant reminder of the risks. “These are not abstract concerns,” he told the panel, emphasizing that the pressure touches every part of life—communication, professional work, personal safety, and mental health.

Therchin’s testimony highlighted that his experience is part of a broader pattern attributed to the People’s Republic of China. He pointed to findings from Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference, which identified China as the most active state actor targeting Canada’s democratic institutions. He also referenced Canada’s 2026 National Cyber Threat Assessment, which characterizes China as the most advanced and persistent cyber threat confronting the country, with activities that include espionage, intellectual property theft, and malign influence operations.

He appeared alongside several other witnesses who addressed related concerns about foreign interference, human rights, and cybersecurity, including:

• Maria Cheung
• Grace Wollensak
• Zaha Hassan
• Marcos Kolga
• Peter Mattis
• Zumretay Arkin

Concluding his remarks, Therchin stressed that the problem is no longer confined within China’s borders. “It has gone transnational,” he said. “The threat is already here in Canada.” His warning underscored the need for continued vigilance and robust protections for targeted communities, civil society organizations, and democratic processes.

The session formed part of an ongoing effort by Canadian lawmakers to assess the scale and impact of foreign interference and transnational repression, and to consider policy measures that safeguard national security while protecting fundamental freedoms.