Rome – In a rare and significant move, Italian authorities have ordered the expulsion of eight Chinese nationals suspected of conducting espionage activities targeting political dissidents within Italy. The expulsions, carried out by the Interior Ministry, represent the first time Italy has taken action specifically on grounds of transnational repression, raising concerns about China’s reach and tactics in monitoring and intimidating its critics abroad.
The individuals were allegedly working to locate regime opponents residing in Italy, with the intent to harass and intimidate them, according to reporting from the Italian daily Il Foglio. Three of the suspects have already been repatriated, although one remains in detention in Rome awaiting the completion of expulsion procedures. The remaining four individuals had reportedly left the country prior to the order being issued.
The case highlights a growing trend of transnational repression, where authoritarian governments attempt to silence dissent beyond their borders. Laura Harth, a human rights advocate with Safeguard Defenders, described the Italian government’s action as a welcome development. “I’m pleasantly surprised that we finally see action,” Harth told the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). While other nations, including the United Kingdom, have prosecuted individuals for similar offenses – with two men currently on trial in London accused of spying for Hong Kong and China, according to Reuters – Italy’s decision to issue expulsion orders marks a distinct approach.
Expanding Surveillance Networks
The expulsions follow a 2022 report by Safeguard Defenders detailing how Chinese business associations and community groups worldwide, including within Italy, have functioned as covert surveillance hubs. These organizations, ostensibly focused on cultural or commercial activities, were allegedly used to monitor and report on the activities of Chinese dissidents living abroad. This network, according to the report, extends the reach of Chinese security services beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
Italian authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry declined to comment on the media reports regarding the expulsion orders. Yet, Harth noted a growing awareness within Italian law enforcement regarding the issue. “There is clear concern and attention within the specialized police on this issue,” she said, while also acknowledging a potential lack of “political motivation to actually deal with this” consistently.
A Pattern of Intimidation
The targeting of dissidents isn’t limited to physical surveillance. An extensive investigation by ICIJ, dubbed China Targets, revealed a broad campaign of intimidation tactics employed by the Chinese government against critics living overseas. The 2025 investigation, involving 42 media partners, uncovered evidence of online harassment, pressure on family members still residing in China, and even attempts to dig up compromising information about dissidents’ personal lives. The investigation detailed how internal police textbooks and confidential security guidelines from 2013 outline methods for identifying and controlling targets.
One prominent case involved an activist known online as “Teacher Li,” who amassed a significant following on X (formerly Twitter) for posting about protests and discontent within China during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to ICIJ reporting, Teacher Li, who resides in Italy, received threats after Chinese authorities located his address. His acquaintances outside of Italy were also targeted, including Jiang Shengda, an artist and activist in France, whose father in Beijing was reportedly interrogated and warned to cease contact with Teacher Li.
Grazie al governo italiano per aver agito contro i miei molestatori. Questo rappresenta non solo una protezione per noi, ma anche la difesa dei principi democratici fondamentali e dello stato di diritto. https://t.co/wJq9q9q9q9
— Teacher Li (@whyyoutouzhele) March 7, 2026
Teacher Li expressed his gratitude to the Italian government for its action in a recent post on X, stating that it represents “not only protection for us, but also the defense of fundamental democratic principles and the rule of law.”
European Response and Future Challenges
The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution condemning transnational repression by China and other autocratic governments, but Harth cautioned that the resolution alone is insufficient. “It doesn’t really change anything on the ground,” she said, emphasizing the need for consistent law enforcement action and victim protection. The resolution calls for increased monitoring of threats and support for those targeted, but ultimately leaves implementation to individual member states.
Concerns about Chinese government interference extend beyond direct surveillance. In Italy, La Repubblica reported that Chinese hackers infiltrated the database of Italy’s special counter-terrorism police between 2024 and 2025, gaining access to information on 5,000 Italian agents and the files of dissidents under protection. This breach underscores the vulnerability of European security infrastructure to foreign interference.
The Chinese Embassy in Rome has not responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
The expulsion of the eight Chinese nationals represents a significant, though likely isolated, step in addressing the growing threat of transnational repression. The Italian government, along with its European counterparts, will likely face continued pressure to strengthen protections for dissidents and counter increasingly sophisticated attempts to silence critical voices abroad. The next key development will be the outcome of the expulsion proceedings for the individual currently detained in Rome, and whether further investigations into potential surveillance networks within Italy are launched.
Have you experienced or witnessed similar instances of transnational repression? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Please also share this article with your networks to raise awareness about this critical issue.
