Italy Expels Eight Chinese Nationals Accused of Transnational Repression
In a rare move, Italian authorities have issued expulsion orders for eight Chinese nationals suspected of spying on political dissidents on behalf of the Chinese government. The expulsions, ordered by the Interior Ministry, stem from concerns over “national security” and allegations that the individuals sought to locate, intimidate, and harass regime critics residing in Italy, according to Italian daily Il Foglio.
Details of the Expulsions
Three of the suspects were immediately repatriated, one is currently detained in Rome awaiting expulsion procedures, and the remaining four had already left Italy. This marks the first time Italy has ordered expulsions specifically based on grounds of transnational repression, according to Laura Harth, a human rights advocate with Safeguard Defenders.
“I’m pleasantly surprised that we finally notice action,” Harth stated. Other countries have prosecuted Chinese nationals for similar activities, with another case currently pending in the United Kingdom.
Targeted Dissident: “Teacher Li”
The expulsions followed an in-depth investigation focusing on the harassment of Li Ying, known online as “Teacher Li is Not Your Teacher.” Li gained prominence in 2022 for documenting protests and dissent within China during the COVID-19 pandemic, amassing 1.9 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), ChinaAid reports.
Investigations by Safeguard Defenders revealed escalating repression targeting Li, including attempts to locate his residence and the launch of online smear campaigns and doxxing. According to Decode39, Li expressed gratitude to the Italian government and Safeguard Defenders for their support.
Authorities also found that acquaintances of Li outside of Italy were targeted by Chinese security officials. Jiang Shengda, an artist and activist living in France, reported that his father in Beijing was interrogated about his association with Li.
Broader Concerns About Transnational Repression
This case highlights the growing concern over transnational repression – efforts by authoritarian governments to silence critics and suppress dissent beyond their borders. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has documented the scope and tactics of Beijing’s campaign to target regime critics overseas, including physical and online surveillance, pressuring family members, and internet monitoring.
In 2022, Safeguard Defenders revealed that Chinese business associations and community groups worldwide, including in Italy, had been operating as secret surveillance hubs.
European Response and Future Outlook
The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution condemning transnational repression by China and other autocratic governments. Yet, Harth notes that the resolution itself doesn’t guarantee changes on the ground, as enforcement relies on individual countries’ law enforcement agencies.
Recent reports also indicate potential security breaches within Italy, with La Repubblica reporting that Chinese hackers infiltrated the database of Italy’s special counter-terrorism police between 2024 and 2025, accessing information on 5,000 Italian agents and investigative files related to Chinese dissidents.
The Chinese Embassy in Rome has not yet responded to requests for comment on these developments.