Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 19: French authorities have dismantled nine alleged clandestine Chinese police stations operating across the country, marking one of Europe’s most significant crackdowns on Beijing’s purported overseas surveillance and influence networks.
According to reports, French counterintelligence services identified and shut down the covert operations, which were allegedly functioning under the guise of community and business associations, particularly in the Paris region. Authorities contend that the stations served as unofficial extensions of China’s Ministry of Public Security, engaging in activities ranging from monitoring members of the Chinese diaspora to gathering intelligence and exerting pressure on dissidents residing abroad.
French officials have reportedly identified three individuals suspected of coordinating the network. Two have been expelled from the country, while legal proceedings involving a third individual remain ongoing.
The dismantling of the stations follows heightened scrutiny of China’s overseas operations in France. Reports indicate that French authorities intensified their investigation after a 2024 incident in which individuals allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence attempted to forcibly repatriate a Chinese dissident identified as Ling Huazhan. French police intervened and prevented the operation.
The Chinese government has consistently rejected accusations that such facilities function as covert police outposts. Beijing maintains that the centres operate as overseas service stations intended to assist Chinese nationals with administrative matters such as document renewals and other consular-related services.
The issue has drawn increasing international attention in recent years. Human rights organisations and investigative groups, including Safeguard Defenders, have documented the existence of alleged Chinese overseas police stations in numerous countries, raising concerns over transnational repression, surveillance, and efforts to silence critics of the Chinese government beyond its borders.
France’s action places it among a growing number of democratic nations examining and restricting activities linked to China’s overseas influence operations. The development is likely to further intensify debates over foreign interference, national sovereignty, and the protection of dissidents and vulnerable communities living in exile.
The reported shutdown is particularly significant for communities that have long raised concerns about monitoring, intimidation and increasing transnational repression by Chinese authorities abroad, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kong activists, and Chinese dissidents residing in Europe.
