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FBI Warns Artist of Chinese Surveillance Threat

12/21/2025

24 6

Summary

Story summary

In October 2023, FBI agents advised artist Hui Bo to avoid their office for his safety and meet publicly instead.
They warned him of surveillance by the People's Republic of China over his sculptures protesting the government.
Hui Bo said he feared after the warning.
The incident reflects China's intensified efforts to silence dissent, with a global crackdown under President Xi Jinping since 2012 that has influenced elections abroad.

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Story summary

In October 2023, FBI agents advised artist Hui Bo to avoid their office for his safety and meet publicly instead.
They warned him of surveillance by the People's Republic of China over his sculptures protesting the government.
Hui Bo said he feared after the warning.
The incident reflects China's intensified efforts to silence dissent, with a global crackdown under President Xi Jinping since 2012 that has influenced elections abroad.