France’s internal security agency (DGSI) recently confirmed the presence of at least nine covert Chinese “police stations” operating on French soil. These facilities, run by the CCP for the purpose of monitoring, intimidating, or repatriate Chinese nationals, highlight Beijing’s overseas interference tactics. These stations have now been shut down.
A 2022 report by Spanish non-government organization Safeguard Defenders identified over 100 such stations worldwide, initially listing only four in France. French intelligence grew concerned upon discovering the Chinese embassy’s involvement behind the scenes.
Though not officially recognized as police outposts, these stations were run by unregistered “liaison officers” acting on behalf of China, offering services similar to state functions and engaging in unauthorized activities like intelligence gathering, transnational repression, and talent recruitment.
DGSI summoned Chinese representatives in late 2023, demanding closures. The stations were dismantled, but the agents involved were not expelled. France requested three individuals be recalled, but Beijing reportedly declined.
While the physical sites are gone, French authorities warn that covert Chinese operations – such as surveillance and pressure on dissidents – likely continue through plainclothes agents. Source: Radio France International, July 9, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/法国/20250709-法国情报局-关闭9座中国警察站-特务仍潜伏监视异见人士-法方或拒绝-地下警察局-认定