Europe, although less dependent on Chinese investment and technology compared to many Global South nations, is still susceptible to Beijing’s political pressure and influence campaigns. Recent incidents have raised concerns, such as Sheffield Hallam University in the UK reportedly facing pressure from Chinese authorities to close its forced-labor research program in late 2025. In Italy, the harassment of a prominent Chinese dissident led to the deportation of eight Chinese nationals.
Signs indicate that China is expanding its transnational repression efforts, targeting critics who challenge its political boundaries. A German think tank, Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), highlighted instances of online and offline campaigns to silence overseas critics. The use of generative AI in these campaigns allows for personalized attacks, as seen in the harassment of human rights researcher Laura Harth.
The report also revealed China’s efforts to stifle global civil society, including the cancellation of RightsCon, a digital rights summit in Zambia. The Zambian government reportedly bowed to Chinese pressure, resulting in the event’s cancellation due to the participation of Taiwanese civil society groups. China’s actions against the global digital rights movement signify a concerning trend, disrupting established forums like RightsCon and hindering international efforts to develop digital rights norms.
China’s transnational repression poses challenges for Europe, emphasizing the need for stronger support in digital norm-setting and protection against abuses. The report calls for the establishment of safeguards, reporting mechanisms for abuses, and training for authorities to respond effectively online and offline. It warns that addressing China’s global influence and digital authoritarianism requires a comprehensive approach to safeguard digital rights and counter misuse of technology.
