Key Takeaways:
- China is exporting surveillance technology to at least 150 countries, including Nepal, where it is being used to monitor and control the Tibetan refugee population.
- The surveillance technology is based on American designs, which were transferred to Chinese companies through partnerships and joint ventures.
- The use of surveillance technology has stifled the Free Tibet movement and has led to a significant decline in the number of Tibetan refugees fleeing to Nepal.
- The Chinese government is using the surveillance technology to monitor and control the movements of Tibetans, including those living in Nepal.
- The use of surveillance technology has also led to the arrest and detention of Tibetans who are suspected of being involved in the Free Tibet movement.
Introduction to Surveillance in Nepal
The city of Kathmandu, Nepal, is home to a large population of Tibetan refugees who have fled their homeland to escape the Chinese crackdown. The city is also home to a significant number of surveillance cameras, which are used to monitor the movements of the Tibetan population. The cameras are equipped with facial recognition software and are able to track the movements of individuals in real-time. The use of surveillance technology in Nepal is part of a larger trend of China exporting surveillance technology to countries around the world.
The History of Surveillance in Nepal
The first surveillance cameras were installed in Kathmandu in 2012, officially to deter crime. However, after a Tibetan monk set himself on fire in front of the Boudhanath stupa in 2013, the police added 35 night vision cameras around the area. The Chinese embassy in Kathmandu worked closely with the police to install the cameras and provided special training to use the new technology. The cameras were used to monitor the movements of Tibetans and to identify potential symbols associated with the Free Tibet movement.
The Impact of Surveillance on the Tibetan Population
The use of surveillance technology has had a significant impact on the Tibetan population in Nepal. Many Tibetans are afraid to speak out against the Chinese government or to participate in the Free Tibet movement, due to the fear of being monitored and arrested. The surveillance technology has also made it difficult for Tibetans to access basic services, such as healthcare and education. The Tibetan population in Nepal has declined significantly in recent years, from over 20,000 to less than 10,000 today.
The Role of American Technology
The surveillance technology used in Nepal is based on American designs, which were transferred to Chinese companies through partnerships and joint ventures. Companies such as Hewlett Packard and IBM have partnered with Chinese companies to develop surveillance technology, which is now being used to monitor and control the Tibetan population. The use of American technology in Chinese surveillance systems has raised concerns about the ethics of exporting technology to authoritarian regimes.
The Global Reach of Chinese Surveillance Technology
China is exporting surveillance technology to at least 150 countries around the world, including Vietnam, Pakistan, and Kenya. The technology is being used to monitor and control populations, and to suppress dissent and opposition. The use of surveillance technology has become a key part of China’s push for global influence, and has raised concerns about the impact on human rights and democracy.
The Response of the International Community
The international community has been slow to respond to the use of surveillance technology by China. However, there are growing concerns about the impact of surveillance technology on human rights and democracy. The United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that are involved in the development and export of surveillance technology, and there are calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology.
The Future of Surveillance in Nepal
The future of surveillance in Nepal is uncertain, but it is clear that the use of surveillance technology will continue to be a major issue for the Tibetan population. The Chinese government is likely to continue to use surveillance technology to monitor and control the movements of Tibetans, and the international community will need to respond to the challenges posed by the use of surveillance technology. The use of surveillance technology has significant implications for human rights and democracy, and it is essential that the international community takes action to protect the rights of the Tibetan population and to promote transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology.
