Delving into Italy’s challenge with Chinese secret overseas police stations

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Italian authorities are grappling with the contentious issue of Chinese “police stations” operating within the country, which are accused of facilitating transnational repression against dissent towards Beijing. An NGO report identifies at least 11 such centres across the country. Experts Oriana Skylar Mastro and Laura Harth warn that these centres serve both economic and political interests, violating national sovereignty.

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In 2022, a report highlighted the contentious issue of Chinese “police stations” operating in Italy.

• These centres, which ostensibly serve as administrative support for Chinese communities, have been accused by the NGO Safeguard Defenders of engaging in illegal transnational repression of dissent against Beijing.
• The matter was revisited during a technical meeting at the Ministry of the Interior earlier this year following mounting concerns over Chinese influence.

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In January [2025], Italian officials convened a technical roundtable with their Chinese counterparts at the Ministry of the Interior.

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Laura Harth, China in the World director for Safeguard Defenders [a human rights group focused on China], adds: “It is alarming that activities carried out by entities associated with the United Front are not treated as inherently illegal despite clearly violating the Vienna Conventions and national sovereignty.”

[...] Experts highlight these [illegal police] operations’ subtle yet strategic nature, suggesting that Italy must remain vigilant against such extraterritorial influence.