A report by Safeguard Defenders identifies 1,247 Chinese-linked community organisations across 91 countries that allegedly form part of an overseas surveillance network. Eighteen organisations in Canada have been flagged, as Beijing rejects the allegations and Canadian authorities investigate suspected foreign police activities.

Beijing: China is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations that it operates an extensive surveillance network overseas, using community organisations as fronts for covert police activities targeting Chinese nationals living abroad.

A new report, A Formula for Repression, published by Spain-based human rights organisation Safeguard Defenders, identifies 1,247 community organisations linked to China across 91 countries. The report alleges that these organisations are being used as part of a wider network to monitor Chinese citizens overseas.

Laura Harth, China Director at Safeguard Defenders, told CTV News that the network is allegedly used to keep track of the activities, public statements and behaviour of Chinese nationals living outside the country.

The number of organisations identified is approximately 12 times higher than the figure reported four years ago. In 2022, Safeguard Defenders identified more than 100 suspected illegal Chinese police stations operating across over 50 countries.

China accused of extending domestic surveillance overseas

According to the report, more than 60 million Chinese citizens live outside China. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is accused of extending its domestic system of surveillance and control to overseas communities in an effort to maintain political influence over them.

Michael Kovrig, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group and a former Canadian diplomat, described the findings as an indication of the early stages of China’s efforts to expand its global influence.

He warned that such activities could undermine fundamental freedoms in other countries, including freedom of expression and the right of individuals to vote according to their own preferences.

The report also examines the alleged role of the CCP’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), which is said to exert influence over several Chinese community organisations operating overseas.

It notes that Chinese President Xi Jinping has previously described the UFWD as a ‘magic weapon’ for monitoring and controlling citizens.

Safeguard Defenders says it identified 1,247 community centres that had acknowledged, through official documents, publications or other material, their role as contact points for Chinese police and prosecution agencies.

The latest findings also indicate a significant increase in the number of regional organisations identified. While just four such organisations were identified in 2022, the new report names 80.

Police agencies allegedly operating through community networks

The report claims that more than 10 police agencies from five Chinese provinces are operating overseas through networks of Chinese federations and community organisations.

These organisations are generally presented as cultural and community centres that promote cultural exchanges, business opportunities, tourism and closer ties with Chinese provinces and cities.

However, Safeguard Defenders’ lead researcher Laura Harth says China has altered its methods since the alleged overseas police stations were exposed in 2022.

Previously, some centres openly displayed police names and insignia. The report alleges that the activities are now being conducted through organisations whose links and identities are less visible, making their alleged involvement more difficult to establish.

18 Chinese organisations in Canada flagged in report

Canada is among the countries highlighted in the report, with at least 18 Chinese organisations allegedly linked to police surveillance activities. Some of these organisations may have multiple branches operating within the same city.

In 2022, Safeguard Defenders identified five suspected illegal Chinese police stations in Canada.

The latest report also cites research by the US-based Jamestown Foundation, which reportedly identified 575 organisations in Canada with links to the UFWD.

Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating complaints involving alleged criminal activities connected to foreign police stations.

Canadian New Democratic Party MP Jenny Kwan has expressed concern over the findings. In an open letter to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, she said that, if the allegations prove accurate, they would suggest that existing government measures have not been sufficient to prevent such activities.

Kwan called on the Canadian government to address legal loopholes, investigate the allegations and ensure that everyone living in the country can exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or external pressure.

The Public Safety Minister, however, stressed that the allegations must be investigated before any conclusions are reached. He said foreign interference in any form was unacceptable, while noting that the specific claims still required examination.

Chinese embassy rejects allegations

The Chinese Embassy in Canada has strongly rejected the claims made in the report.

In an official statement, the embassy said China had repeatedly clarified that there was no such thing as Chinese overseas police stations.

It also maintained that China respected the rule of law and followed the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Uyghur activists raise concerns over alleged intimidation

The report also highlights concerns about alleged pressure, intimidation and surveillance directed at people of Chinese origin living overseas, particularly those who speak out against Beijing’s policies.

Rukiye Turdush, an activist associated with Canada’s Uyghur community, warned that individuals raising concerns about alleged human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang region could face pressure and intimidation.

She claimed that some Uyghur activists who travelled to China to visit relatives had been pressured into signing documents supporting Chinese national laws.

According to Turdush, some of these individuals began distancing themselves from community organisations after returning to Canada because they feared possible repercussions.

She also expressed concern that individuals supportive of the Chinese government could be attempting to infiltrate her organisation, monitor members’ activities and organise campaigns against its leadership.

The allegations have added to wider concerns about the potential reach of foreign interference and transnational surveillance, as Canadian authorities continue to examine complaints involving suspected overseas police activities.