Reports of alleged “overseas police stations” in other countries have recently caused a stir in Europe. Now, for the first time, Beijing itself has commented on the accusation that it involves “dedicated overseas Chinese” assisting their compatriots in “gas stations”.
A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry responded to reports that several countries – including Austria – have such facilities that also serve to prosecute critics.
Chinese controlled abroad?
German security services believe there are two “overseas police stations” in Germany, mainly used to investigate and influence the Chinese diaspora, according to a government response to a parliamentary question. These are currently believed to be “rather personal and mobile organized”. No permanent offices have been established.
According to dpa information, five ‘area managers’ offered both Chinese and Germans with Chinese roots legal advice and support with certifications and applications. The background of this help, which was mainly through chats, is said to be the acquisition of knowledge and the spreading of ideology.
Austria is investigating information
The NGO Safeguard Defenders also cited Vienna as a city where China operates its own police stations under the guise of “service centers”. According to the Spanish organization, there are about 100 such facilities in more than 50 countries. Austria’s Interior Ministry said in early November that they were investigating “the relevant information”.
“There is no doubt that we will not tolerate any prohibited activities by foreign intelligence services or police authorities under any circumstances,” said a spokesman.
China denies: ‘No police officers’
When asked, a statement from the foreign ministry in Beijing on the “fuel stations” said: “Their activities are to help Chinese citizens who are unable to travel home during Covid-19 to apply for medical examinations to obtain their driver’s licenses upon the phase-out. ” The locations were provided by “dedicated overseas Chinese groups”. The volunteers are “dedicated overseas Chinese, not Chinese police officers”.
Such services are now also available online, “so that the relevant filling stations are closed”, it was further reported. China does not interfere in internal affairs and respects the legal sovereignty of other countries. The “petrol stations” do not violate the law and “are not engaged in criminal activity”.
Source: Krone
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