2 ms·

The article makes no mention of international law, or of extraterritoriality. Could they not find an appropriate expert to quote ?

dragonwriter 4y ago
> The article makes no mention of international law, or of extraterritoriality. Because neither is particularly relevant here; these are actions in places under simple US jurisdiction, by people under simple US jurisdiction, not by PRC diplomats and/or carried out in facilities that are PRC extraterritorial enclaves. EDIT: For the arrestees. For the non-arrested charged parties, I suppose an expert on international law and extraterritoriality could explain that there is no international law protecting people from charges for working in their own country to violate the laws of another country, though enforcement of those charges may be difficult so long as the charged parties remain in and protected by the government of China. But, I mean, it doesn’t really take an expert in international law and extraterritoriality to explain that, either.
- euroderf 4y ago
  I don't disagree. But I detect a whiff of hypocrisy on the part of American law enforcement, which often seems to have a different idea about its ability to act outside its borders. Very strong assertions of extraterritoriality. But, well, do as I say, not as I do.
  - mcv 4y ago
    You do have somewhat of a point here. The US is one of only two countries (and the only country that can make it stick) that sees any American or any person born in the US, as falling under US tax law, and requires them to file taxes in the US, even if they don't live there or work there. Banks across the world are required to enforce this and have special rules for "US Persons" or they're not allowed to do business with the US, which is understandably crippling for any bank. Because of this, even some people who feel like they have no connection with the US at all, may be unable to open a bank account anywhere unless they agree to file taxes in the US. So yes, the US also tries to exert power over people it considers American subjects well outside its jurisdiction. That doesn't excuse China intimidating and threatening Chinese people living abroad, though.
    - euroderf 4y ago
      Oh, I mean more than just tax filing requirements. Which (I can say as an ex-pat) are a massive PITA.

dragonwriter 4y ago

> The article makes no mention of international law, or of extraterritoriality. Because neither is particularly relevant here; these are actions in places under simple US jurisdiction, by people under simple US jurisdiction, not by PRC diplomats and/or carried out in facilities that are PRC extraterritorial enclaves. EDIT: For the arrestees. For the non-arrested charged parties, I suppose an expert on international law and extraterritoriality could explain that there is no international law protecting people from charges for working in their own country to violate the laws of another country, though enforcement of those charges may be difficult so long as the charged parties remain in and protected by the government of China. But, I mean, it doesn’t really take an expert in international law and extraterritoriality to explain that, either.

euroderf 4y ago
I don't disagree. But I detect a whiff of hypocrisy on the part of American law enforcement, which often seems to have a different idea about its ability to act outside its borders. Very strong assertions of extraterritoriality. But, well, do as I say, not as I do.
- mcv 4y ago
  You do have somewhat of a point here. The US is one of only two countries (and the only country that can make it stick) that sees any American or any person born in the US, as falling under US tax law, and requires them to file taxes in the US, even if they don't live there or work there. Banks across the world are required to enforce this and have special rules for "US Persons" or they're not allowed to do business with the US, which is understandably crippling for any bank. Because of this, even some people who feel like they have no connection with the US at all, may be unable to open a bank account anywhere unless they agree to file taxes in the US. So yes, the US also tries to exert power over people it considers American subjects well outside its jurisdiction. That doesn't excuse China intimidating and threatening Chinese people living abroad, though.
  - euroderf 4y ago
    Oh, I mean more than just tax filing requirements. Which (I can say as an ex-pat) are a massive PITA.