The Supreme Court’s decision last July in Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta secured the right to donate anonymously to activist groups. For dissidents in places such as China, the ability to do so in the United States is far from a theoretical victory, as Jianli Yang explains:
For five years, I was detained in a Chinese prison, often in solitary confinement. My mental health deteriorated under the weight of prolonged isolation, repeated interrogations, and endless psychological and physical torture. In 2007, thanks to overwhelming international support, I was freed and returned to the United States. Since then, I have recommitted myself to the hard work of advancing human rights and democracy in China. That work places me, and my organization, directly in the crosshairs of the Chinese government.
In 2019, the Chinese Foreign Ministry smeared Citizen Power Initiatives for China as a hostile foreign force. Danger has also extended to our financial supporters, like Mr. Lee. A few other major contributors halted their support after learning the Chinese government had discovered their donations. Most people who want to support us, including those living in the U.S., have some connection to China through their family, friends, or business. China has a long arm to harass and surveil. Public exposure of our supporters’ identities by federal or state agencies in the United States would enable the Chinese government and others acting on its behalf to more easily threaten and harass our supporters. Many people in the U.S. have demurred from supporting our cause because of these fears.