In a significant move signaling heightened concern over transnational repression, Italian authorities have ordered the expulsion of eight Chinese nationals suspected of spying on political dissidents within the country. The expulsions, authorized by the Interior Ministry, stem from evidence that the individuals were actively working to identify and intimidate critics of the Chinese regime, raising “national security” concerns, according to reporting from Italian daily Il Foglio.
Three of the individuals were immediately repatriated, while one remains in detention in Rome as expulsion procedures are finalized. The remaining four had already departed Italy prior to the order. This marks the first instance of Italy enacting an expulsion specifically on the grounds of transnational repression, a practice increasingly scrutinized by international rights groups.
“I’m pleasantly surprised that we finally see action,” said Laura Harth, a human rights advocate with Safeguard Defenders, in a statement to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). While other nations have prosecuted Chinese nationals for similar activities, Italy’s decision to expel the individuals demonstrates a growing awareness of the issue.
The case comes after Safeguard Defenders revealed in 2022 that Chinese business associations and community groups globally, including within Italy, have been operating as unofficial surveillance posts. These groups allegedly gather information on dissidents and their families, contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation. The Italian Interior Ministry declined to comment on the specific expulsion orders.
China’s Expanding Tactics of Transnational Repression
The expulsions are part of a broader pattern of what the European Union and the United Nations have termed “transnational repression” – efforts by authoritarian governments to silence critics and suppress dissent beyond their borders. A recent ICIJ investigation, titled “China Targets,” detailed the extensive scope and tactics employed by Beijing to target dissidents abroad.
The investigation, a 10-month collaborative effort involving 42 media partners, uncovered evidence of internal police textbooks and confidential security guidelines outlining methods for identifying, controlling and pressuring dissidents, including targeting their family members and monitoring their online activity.
One individual targeted in Italy, known online as “Teacher Li,” amassed 1.9 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) for posting about demonstrations and discontent within China during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an email sent to ICIJ and its partner L’Espresso in 2025, Teacher Li reported being “threatened by strangers” after his Italian address was discovered by Chinese authorities. The ICIJ investigation also revealed that acquaintances of Teacher Li outside of Italy were also 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 Teacher Li.
European Response and Ongoing Concerns
While Harth described the Italian government’s action as “positive,” she cautioned that it is unlikely to deter China’s ongoing efforts to silence its critics. She also noted that European authorities often move slowly to protect those targeted. The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution condemning transnational repression, but Harth emphasized that the resolution lacks concrete enforcement mechanisms.
Further highlighting the vulnerability of Italian systems, Al Jazeera reported that between 2024 and 2025, Chinese hackers infiltrated the database of Italy’s special counter-terrorism police, gaining access to information on 5,000 Italian agents and the files of dissidents they were protecting.
The Chinese Embassy in Rome has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
As transnational repression continues to intensify, activists and members of targeted communities are increasingly hesitant to speak out, fearing repercussions for themselves and their families. The recent expulsions in Italy represent a modest but significant step towards addressing this growing threat, but sustained and coordinated international action will be crucial to protecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
What comes next will depend on how consistently Italian authorities – and other European nations – prioritize the protection of dissidents and hold those responsible for transnational repression accountable. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
