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
What’s going on. 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.
State of play. In January, Italian officials convened a technical roundtable with their Chinese counterparts at the Ministry of the Interior.
- The discussion included the controversial role of these “police stations” abroad, according to our sources.
- According to a 2022 report by Safeguard Defenders, at least 11 such centres exist in Italy.
- Notable examples in Milan and Rome are described by Chinese authorities as “pilot projects”—essentially test cases for monitoring the Chinese diaspora and suppressing dissent against the Communist Party.
- Other centres have been identified in Prato, Florence, Bolzano, Venice, and the Region of Sicily.
Joint patrolling risks. Discussions have also included the possibility of resuming joint patrolling initiatives between Italian and Chinese police forces—a proposal based on a 2015 memorandum linked to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.
- Critics warn that such joint operations could pose serious risks to national sovereignty by effectively legitimising the presence of Chinese law enforcement on Italian soil.
Expert analysis. Oriana Skylar Mastro, a Stanford University professor and expert on China, explains that China’s strategy in establishing these centres is twofold.
- She underlined that China aims to protect its investments abroad while safeguarding its political interests through influence over local law enforcement.
- Laura Harth, China in the World director for Safeguard Defenders, 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.”
- Talking with our sister website, Formiche, both experts highlight these operations’ subtle yet strategic nature, suggesting that Italy must remain vigilant against such extraterritorial influence.
