In a rare and politically sensitive move, authorities in Italy have ordered the expulsion of eight Chinese nationals accused of conducting surveillance and intimidation campaigns against political dissidents living within the country. The action, taken by the Italian Interior Ministry, reflects growing concern among European governments about what officials and human rights advocates describe as an expanding campaign of transnational repression carried out by the government of China.

The expulsions follow reports that Chinese state-linked actors had attempted to track down critics of the Chinese government who have sought refuge in Europe. Italian officials believe the suspects were working to identify dissidents, monitor their activities, and potentially pressure them through harassment or intimidation.

According to reports from the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, the Interior Ministry issued expulsion orders after investigators concluded that the individuals had engaged in activities considered a threat to national security. Authorities determined that the suspects were involved in efforts to locate Chinese dissidents residing in Italy, which could allow Beijing to pressure them or their families.

Of the eight individuals identified in the investigation, three were repatriated to China immediately after the orders were issued. One individual is currently being held in detention in Rome while awaiting the completion of legal procedures related to his expulsion. The remaining four had already left Italy before authorities could take action.

The decision is notable because it represents the first time Italy has expelled foreign nationals specifically on the grounds of transnational repression-an increasingly discussed phenomenon in which governments target critics who live outside their national borders.

Human rights organizations say the Italian move reflects broader concern across Europe about the reach of Beijing’s security apparatus. According to experts, Chinese authorities have increasingly used both physical and digital surveillance to monitor activists abroad.

One of the most prominent organizations studying the issue is Safeguard Defenders, a human rights group that has documented cases of overseas intimidation directed at Chinese critics. The group welcomed the Italian government’s decision but also warned that the expulsions may represent only a small step in addressing a much larger problem.

Laura Harth, a campaign director with Safeguard Defenders, said she was surprised but encouraged by the Italian authorities’ willingness to act.

“This is the first time Italy has taken such direct action against foreign agents on the grounds of transnational repression,” Harth explained. “It signals that security agencies are paying attention to the issue.”

However, she also cautioned that expulsions alone are unlikely to stop such operations entirely.

In recent years, investigators and journalists have uncovered a network of organizations and community groups allegedly used by Chinese authorities to monitor diasporas communities around the world. Some of these groups operate as business associations, cultural organizations, or “community service centers,” but critics claim they sometimes function as informal intelligence networks.

Safeguard Defenders reported in 2022 that several such organizations operating globally-including some in Italy-were suspected of acting as unofficial surveillance hubs. These groups allegedly collected information on Chinese nationals living abroad and reported it to authorities in Beijing.

International scrutiny of these networks intensified after a global investigation known as the China Targets project. Conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and dozens of partner media outlets, the investigation documented how dissidents across multiple continents had experienced harassment, surveillance, and threats linked to Chinese authorities.

The investigation revealed that some critics living abroad were monitored through online surveillance, while others reported that their relatives in China had been questioned or pressured by security officials.

One of the dissidents highlighted in the investigation is an activist widely known online as “Teacher Li.” The activist, who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information about protests and public dissatisfaction inside China, built a large following on the social media platform X.

With nearly two million followers, Teacher Li became one of the most widely recognized voices reporting on grassroots demonstrations in China during periods of strict pandemic restrictions.

However, the activist also reported being targeted by harassment and threats after Chinese authorities allegedly discovered his address in Italy. In communications with journalists, Teacher Li said strangers approached him and attempted to intimidate him following the discovery of his location.

The Italian investigation into harassment targeting the activist reportedly played a role in the government’s decision to expel the suspected operatives.

In a public message posted online, Teacher Li expressed gratitude toward Italian authorities for taking action.

“This is not only protection for us,” he wrote, “but also a defense of democratic principles and the rule of law.”

The China Targets investigation also revealed that authorities sometimes pressure dissidents indirectly by targeting their relatives in China. According to activists interviewed by journalists, security officials frequently question or threaten family members in order to discourage overseas criticism of the government.

One activist, Jiang Shengda, an artist living in France, said his father in Beijing had been interrogated by security officials who warned him that his son should stop cooperating with Teacher Li.

Such tactics have contributed to a climate of fear among diaspora communities, with many activists reluctant to speak publicly about political issues due to concerns about retaliation against relatives at home.

The case has also highlighted growing cybersecurity concerns within Italy’s law enforcement agencies. According to reporting by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Chinese hackers linked to the government may have infiltrated the database of a specialized Italian counter-terrorism police unit between 2024 and 2025.

The alleged breach reportedly exposed sensitive information about approximately 5,000 Italian officers as well as investigative files related to Chinese dissidents under police protection.

If confirmed, such a breach would represent a major security failure and raise questions about the vulnerability of European intelligence systems to foreign cyber operations.

Officials have not publicly confirmed the full scope of the alleged intrusion, but the reports have intensified concerns within Italian security agencies about foreign interference.

Across Europe, governments are gradually developing responses to the growing phenomenon of transnational repression. In recent months, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the practice and urging member states to better protect individuals targeted by foreign governments.

The resolution specifically highlighted cases involving China as well as other authoritarian regimes accused of pursuing critics beyond their borders.

However, experts note that such resolutions are largely symbolic unless they are followed by concrete action from national governments and law enforcement agencies.

Harth emphasized that European countries still face challenges in identifying and responding to these activities.

“Political will is often the missing piece,” she said. “Law enforcement may be aware of the issue, but the decision to confront it directly can carry diplomatic consequences.”

Despite the growing controversy, the Chinese government has not publicly commented on the Italian expulsions. The Chinese Embassy in Rome did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations or the expulsion orders.

China has repeatedly denied accusations that it conducts intimidation campaigns against overseas critics, arguing instead that its law enforcement activities abroad are focused on legitimate crime prevention and cooperation with foreign governments.

Nevertheless, Western intelligence agencies and human rights organizations continue to warn that authoritarian governments are increasingly extending their influence beyond national borders.

For Italy, the expulsions could represent a turning point in how the country addresses foreign interference. Historically, Rome has often balanced economic ties with China-including cooperation through trade and investment-against security concerns raised by European allies.

By taking direct action against suspected Chinese operatives, Italian authorities appear to be signaling a greater willingness to confront activities viewed as threats to national sovereignty and democratic freedoms.

Whether the move will deter future operations remains uncertain. But for many dissidents living abroad, the decision offers at least a measure of reassurance that host governments are beginning to recognize-and respond to-the risks they face.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings