China is not only increasing its reliance on private security firms to protect its overseas businesses and nationals but has also reportedly established 102 overseas police service stations in 53 countries [6f3c6619]. These police stations are part of China's broader efforts to influence and control the Chinese diaspora [6f3c6619]. While Beijing claims that these stations provide administrative services for overseas Chinese, concerns have been raised about their connections to transnational repression [6f3c6619].
Democratic governments have responded to these concerns with arrests, warnings, and investigations [6f3c6619]. However, there is still a lack of important information about the operations and activities of these police stations [6f3c6619]. To address the issue of Chinese state foreign interference, multi-faceted, evidence-based policy responses are needed [6f3c6619]. These responses include training law enforcement, providing support to victims, and implementing foreign agent registries [6f3c6619]. Such measures aim to combat transnational repression and demonstrate democratic states' resolve in the face of Beijing's campaigns of foreign interference [6f3c6619].
China's Ministry of State Security is committed to bolstering the security of Chinese mining projects and other assets worldwide [94f876be]. The recent arrests of four executives, including a Chinese national, from an Indian subsidiary on money laundering charges highlight the complex geopolitical environment Chinese firms navigate while pursuing international growth [94f876be].
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has deepened economic and infrastructural ties, promoting regional connectivity, peace, and stability [94f876be]. The BRI's success in the ASEAN region is exemplified by projects like the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone in Cambodia and the China-Laos Railway [94f876be].
China's need to reassure foreign investors amidst security concerns is crucial for the country's economic growth and global cooperation. The balancing act between security and development is a delicate one, and China should take foreign investor sentiment seriously. By taking substantive steps to address security concerns and improve the investment climate, China can attract and retain foreign investment, contributing to its own economic development and the global economy [48178444].
Hungarian Minister of Interior, Sándor Pintér, and China's Minister for Public Safety reached an agreement in mid-February for Hungarian and Chinese police officers to patrol together in some locations in Hungary [edf7ec35]. The objective is to improve security in tourist areas and during events that attract large crowds [edf7ec35]. Similar agreements exist between Hungarian and Croatian police officers, as well as Hungarian and Austrian police officers [edf7ec35]. Critics fear that China may use the police to control its citizens living in Hungary, citing the existence of Chinese police service centers in Budapest [edf7ec35]. The Hungarian Ministry of the Interior denies the presence of Chinese police stations in Hungary [edf7ec35].
China will be sending its police force to Hungary as part of a security agreement between Beijing and Budapest [15385da1]. The agreement includes cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, combating transnational crimes, security, and law enforcement capacity building under the Belt and Road Initiative [15385da1]. This move has raised concerns that Hungary, a NATO and EU member, is undermining European security goals [15385da1]. China has previously stationed police in countries like Italy and Serbia, but Italy withdrew from the agreement due to concerns over Chinese citizen dissent monitoring [15385da1]. Hungary has become a hub for Chinese investment, with Chinese firms investing in electric vehicle and battery production [15385da1]. Some experts believe that the security deal is a guise for transnational repression, while others see it as a symbolic gesture of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's foreign policy approach [15385da1]. The increased presence of Chinese firms in Hungary means more mainland workers, leading to speculation that the primary incentive for the security deal is for Beijing to monitor and control its citizens [15385da1]. However, it is also suggested that the police presence could be a diplomatic gesture to the EU and NATO, indicating Hungary's different approach to dealing with authoritarian powers [15385da1]. Orbán's courting of both Trump and China has led to potential clashes, with concerns that he is helping Trump craft Kremlin-friendly foreign policy [15385da1]. The meeting between Orbán and Trump also highlights their diverging views on Beijing [15385da1].
According to a report by the French news outlet Franceinfo, China has a network of clandestine police stations around the world, including four in France [49dab01e]. These police stations are accused of surveillance, harassment, and forced repatriation of Chinese nationals [49dab01e]. Ling Huazhan, a Chinese dissident living in France, has been targeted by one of these clandestine police stations and fears being arrested and sent back to China [49dab01e]. The NGO Safeguard Defenders has identified 110 of these police stations worldwide, with around 10,000 Chinese nationals being repatriated since 2014 [49dab01e]. While the presence of these police stations has been made public in the US and the UK, China denies their existence and claims they are only used for administrative tasks for Chinese nationals [49dab01e].
The existence of these overseas police stations raises concerns about China's efforts to control and influence its diaspora and suppress dissent abroad. Democratic governments have responded to these concerns with arrests, warnings, and investigations, but there is still a lack of transparency regarding the operations and activities of these police stations. It is crucial for democratic states to address the issue of Chinese state foreign interference through evidence-based policy responses, including training law enforcement, providing support to victims, and implementing foreign agent registries. These measures aim to combat transnational repression and demonstrate democratic states' resolve in the face of Beijing's campaigns of foreign interference.