US media reported last month that the UK government would increase its efforts again “transnational repression” in light of reports of unofficial Chinese police stations being set up around the country. According to the politico.eu report:
November 1, 2022 London — The British government will step up work to prevent “transnational repression” as police investigate reports of undeclared Chinese “police stations” around the country, the U. K. security minister said. The Chinese government has reportedly set up undeclared “police stations” in three U. K. locations — two in London, in Hendon and Croydon, and one in Glasgow — to harass political dissidents. Beijing has also reportedly established similar centers in other European countries, including Ireland and the Netherlands. Speaking in the House of Commons Tuesday, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said such activities “must be stopped,” stressing it would be “unacceptable” for any foreign government to attempt to operate a security apparatus upon U. K. shores. “Reports of undeclared police stations in the United Kingdom are of course extremely concerning and will be taken very seriously. Any foreign country operating in United Kingdom soil must abide by U. K. law,” he said. “Any attempts to illegally repatriate any individual will not be tolerated.” Chinese officials have not denied the existence of such facilities, but say they exist purely to provide bureaucratic services to Chinese citizens and do not involve police operations. One of the two alleged police stations in London is registered as an estate agency, while the venue in Glasgow is a Chinese restaurant.
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In October, the Global Influence Operations Report (GIOR) reported that US Republican House members had queried President Biden’s cabinet secretaries on what is described as a branch of the Chinese police opened in New York City. The NYC branch was reported to be part of a “first batch” of 30 overseas police service stations in 25 cities in 21 countries and are part of China’s United Front Work Department.
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