BEIJING: China, which has come under fire for opening illegal police posts around the world, is now deploying consulates and foreign courts in several countries – to quell dissent against the Chinese Communist Party, investigative journalism reports According to a report shared by. The report said that China is doing this to influence foreign Chinese, quell dissent against the CCP abroad, and interfere with the democratic processes of the countries concerned. It cited an incident on 16 October in which Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters were dragged and beaten up on the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester. This report reached the UK Parliament and the government described it as very worrying. Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation. The consulate in its defense said the protesters displayed a derogatory portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, fake Twitter accounts were created to give a positive image of Chinese consulates involved in the crime using heavily edited images and video clips, reports Investigative Journalism Reportica. This is not the first time that consulates have been embroiled in controversy.
Also read: Britain summons Chinese diplomat over attack on protester at Chinese consulate grounds
Earlier, in 2021, Twitter shut down the official account of the Chinese embassy in the United States after a tweet described Uighur women as “baby-making machines”. Twitter later removed the post. In another tweet, the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands was seen targeting researchers and think tanks.
China deploying consulates, courts around the world to quell dissent against CCP, claims report
Shocking video circulating on HK Telegram channels shows someone from the PRC consulate in Manchester kicking pro-democracy signs.
A protester appears to have been dragged behind the consulate gate and thrashed by consulate staff. pic.twitter.com/tntvTz38DY— Luke M (@McWLuke) 16 October 2022
According to Investigative Journalism Reportica, Chinese consulates and embassies are also involved in setting up legal service stations or courts in other countries. China has opened court/legal service stations in many countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Chinese Foreign Association and its embassies and consulates establish these centers. These courts even have a presence in the UK, Spain and Italy.
Also read: ‘China Has Gained Full Control Of Hong Kong’: CCP Chief Xi Jinping In Speech To Congress
According to reports from several local media channels, they interfere in elections, influence local politics, sway youth towards communism, and control dissent against Xi Jinping from outside China.
In its previous report, Investigative Journalism Reportica detailed that the Chinese government had previously opened several illegal police stations around the world, including in developed countries such as Canada and Ireland, causing concern among human rights campaigners.