Chinese authorities imposed sanctions on me on Monday. Since then, I have received hundreds of messages of support from people and organizations around the world. I'm grateful and overwhelmed to see that free and independent research has such a strong backing.

1/ The board of my employer, the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, condemns the sanctions:

‘It is completely unacceptable that China imposes sanctions on academics who conduct free and open research’

https://twitter.com/ResearchUI/status/1374633218457153540

2/

chinaembassy.se/eng/sgxw/t1733… Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde calls the latest statement from the Chinese ambassador an "unacceptable threat". The Foreign Ministry has summoned Ambassador Gui to bring up the issue.

https://twitter.com/annikanc/status/1218550289462169600?s=20

China will implement unilateral economic sanctions against Sweden, according to China's ambassador:

"We will not only impose restrictions in the cultural field, but also limit exchange and cooperation within economy and trade."

https://twitter.com/taakerblom/status/1202606126866583552

- Open economic sanctions is a clear escalation of China's combative policy toward Sweden.
- The ambassador delivered the message in Gothenburg on Wednesday.
- According to a source at the Chinese embassy, there is already an impact on bilateral trade-related meetings.