Politics

UK Warns Beijing Against Intimidation of Foreign Nationals

Published APR 20 2023

Story

Image credit: The Times

The Facts

Following claims of an alleged secret Chinese police station in London, the UK government has said it's unacceptable for any foreign nationals to be intimidated on British territory. It comes after the US on Tuesday announced the arrest of two people for allegedly operating a Chinese "secret police station" in Manhattan.
MSN
According to a UK police minister, the UK is aware of roughly 100 stations globally where foreign nationals are allegedly intimidated into giving up their citizenship. He affirmed that the UK has vowed to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure their closure.
Al Jazeera
The Chinese embassy in the UK didn't immediately respond to Reuters's request for comment. In the past, however, the government has said that there are centers outside China run by local volunteers, not Chinese police officers, that aim to help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services.
Al Arabiya English
The development follows allegations by The Times earlier this week that the HQ of a food delivery firm in Croydon — owned by Tory-linked Chinese businessman Ruiyo Lin — has been doubling as a station for police and overseas Chinese affairs.
Times
In November 2022, Lin denied the allegations, saying they aimed to “attack me personally or my business.” He said his work has involved volunteering to help Chinese expats update their driving licenses.
Independent
Labour has accused the government of failing to act over alleged Chinese police stations in the UK after reports emerged that one such station was operating from an office belonging to a Conservative party activist.
guardian

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-China narrative

Dozens of unsanctioned Chinese secret police stations are in operation worldwide to advance Beijing's interests abroad by coercing its dissidents to spread pro-CCP propaganda and undermining faith in democratic institutions. This is a blatant violation of the sovereignty of several nations and exposes the fact the PRC will spare no efforts in exporting repression and expanding its influence.

Newsweek

Pro-China narrative

Though the West claims that China has been operating police stations overseas, these places are neither police stations nor service centers, but spots to provide driving license renewals and physical examination services to Chinese nationals living abroad. The latest allegations have failed to turn up concrete evidence and are nothing more than Western lies being used to peddle hatred toward China.

Global Times