China’s Overseas Police Stations: Global Concerns

These revelations not only highlight the scale of China’s overseas operations but also underline the urgency of addressing this issue which may be a prelude to a crisis. According to a comprehensive investigation conducted by the European Union registered human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, which primarily monitors human rights situation in China and Vietnam, these stations have been set up in various countries. They are reportedly functioning in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.7

It is believed that these Overseas Police Stations are being utilized as tools for coercive measures, employing three distinct methods categorized as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3.8 In Type 1, Chinese officials from the Ministry of Public Security track down the family members and relatives of individuals living abroad, exerting pressure through intimidation, harassment, detention or even imprisonment. The objective is to persuade these individuals voluntarily to return to China. Type 2 involves direct approaches through online means or undercover agents from the Ministry of State Security within the host country. The last and most alarming method, Type 3, entails the alleged physical abduction of individuals on foreign soil, taking them back to China, where further legal proceedings await.9

These stations, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security, are therefore being utilized as tools for long-arm policing and transnational repression by the Communist Party of China.10 The methods employed are disconcerting, and are believed to involve coercion, intimidation, harassment and even abduction of Chinese nationals living abroad. These activities are not only a violation of international norms but may also pose a significant threat to the human rights of Chinese citizens residing outside their homeland and rule of law in the host country.

Such mass repatriations challenge the territorial integrity and judicial sovereignty of host nations, undermining their legal autonomy and casting doubt on the adherence to due process and human rights. The unilateral actions by Chinese authorities may strain diplomatic relations, potentially disrupting international cooperation on law enforcement, counter-terrorism and extradition agreements. The lack of transparency in legal processes and the potential for coercion in persuading individuals to return suggest a disregard for established international norms. From a security standpoint, the forcible repatriation poses the risk of transferring sensitive information to Chinese authorities, compromising the security interests of the countries where these individuals have resided.

This alarming trend has not gone unnoticed by the international community. Christopher Wray, Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), expressed his concerns about these police stations while testifying before a U.S. Senate committee in November 2022 when he stated that he was “very concerned about these police stations. We are aware of the existence of these stations.” He emphasized that these stations are unauthorized. Republican U.S. Representative, Mike Gallagher, has called for the shutdown of these stations.11

In the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper, the then Shadow Secretary of State urged the Home Secretary to make a statement regarding the secret police stations operated by the Chinese Communist Party in the UK. In response, Chris Philp, the Minister for Crime, Policing, and Fire, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He stated that

these overseas police stations are, of course, of great concern, and our police forces and intelligence agencies are working diligently on this issue. We take a proactive approach to protecting individuals and communities from threats, deploying security measures and guidance where necessary.12

Canada took a strong measure by issuing a ‘cease and desist’ warning in November 2022. It summoned the Chinese ambassador, Cong Peiwu, and conveyed its concerns. Additionally, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced investigations into two police stations in Quebec.13

Rita Schwarzeluhr Sutter, the Parliamentary State Secretary for Interior and Community of Germany, highlighted that two police stations of ‘Overseas 110’ remain operational in Germany, violating the country’s sovereignty. ‘Overseas 110’ refers to various extralegal stations established by the Chinese government. She pointed out that these stations are run by individuals with strong connections to the diplomatic missions of the People’s Republic of China who enjoy the trust of the Chinese security authorities. Furthermore, they are involved in Chinese United Front organizations, raising concerns about their activities and influence within Germany.14

Conclusion
The proliferation of China’s Overseas Police Stations underscores the urgent need for international scrutiny and diplomatic actions. The coercive methods employed by these stations are not only a violation of human rights and international law but also a challenge to international security. There is a legitimate fear that these stations may be exploited by the intelligence agents of the Ministry of State Security, further escalating the risks posed by their operations.

The affected countries must hold China accountable. Diplomatic efforts, coupled with legal measures, must be collectively pursued to curb unlawful Chinese actions. Moreover, raising awareness among Chinese nationals about their rights in the host country and establishing support networks are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of any such actions. The presence of China’s Overseas Police Stations is a call to action for all nations to prioritize the protection of persons within their territorial jurisdictions.

·  1.  Bhattacharya Sanchalya, “China’s Influence Operations in the South Asian Region”, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, 27 June 2024 ; Bonnie S. Glaser and Kristen Gunness, “China’s Military Diplomacy and its Quest for Bases Abroad”, GMFUS.org, 25 October 2023; “110 OVERSEAS: Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild”, Safeguard Defenders, 1 September 2022.

Mohan Singh Dhangar, Research Intern, East Asia Centre, MP-IDSA. This article was originally published by Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the Government of India.