The US is about to blow up a fake warship in the South China Sea – but naval rivalry with Beijing is very real and growing
The ConversationNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Following claims of an alleged secret Chinese police station in London, the UK government has said it's unacceptable for any foreign nationals to be intimidated on British territory. It comes after the US on Tuesday announced the arrest of two people for allegedly operating a Chinese "secret police station" in Manhattan.
According to a UK police minister, the UK is aware of roughly 100 stations globally where foreign nationals are allegedly intimidated into giving up their citizenship. He affirmed that the UK has vowed to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure their closure.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Dozens of unsanctioned Chinese secret police stations are in operation worldwide to advance Beijing's interests abroad by coercing its dissidents to spread pro-CCP propaganda and undermining faith in democratic institutions. This is a blatant violation of the sovereignty of several nations and exposes the fact the PRC will spare no efforts in exporting repression and expanding its influence.
Pro-China narrative
Though the West claims that China has been operating police stations overseas, these places are neither police stations nor service centers, but spots to provide driving license renewals and physical examination services to Chinese nationals living abroad. The latest allegations have failed to turn up concrete evidence and are nothing more than Western lies being used to peddle hatred toward China.
