Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe
The 19th National CCP Congress in October 2017. © Chen Yehua/Xinhua News Agency/MaxPPP//Mark Astakhov/iStock//Indigo Publications

Running story
Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe

The Chinese Communist Party has stepped up efforts to spread its influence in Europe. Whether it be through students, academics, "friends of China" groups or cultural players, China's ruling party is initiating new channels of communication coordinated directly by the United Front Work Department

Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe
The 19th National CCP Congress in October 2017. © Chen Yehua/Xinhua News Agency/MaxPPP//Mark Astakhov/iStock//Indigo Publications

China, France
Paris refuses visa for Chinese researcher with ties to Ministry of State Security

Hu Shisheng, director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, was unable to attend a recent seminar on Tibet in Paris after his visa application was rejected at the last minute.

Free access Government Intelligence 30.09.2024

Spy Way of Life | France
Beijing soft power takes centre stage at French Senate restaurant

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits the Senate restaurant in Paris, where a Chinese delegation got its foot in the door for a soft power operation.

The Palais du Luxembourg, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, where the Senate restaurant is located.
LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 16.02.2024
The Palais du Luxembourg, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, where the Senate restaurant is located.

China, France
Macron awards Legion of Honour to pillar of Beijing's influence in France

Tycoon Jonathan Choi gained the Elysée Palace's trust thanks to his French patronage, but the Hong Kong native with a business empire in South-East Asia is also a prominent member of the Chinese Communist Party's main organ of influence abroad.

Jonathan Choi.
LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 27.09.2023
Jonathan Choi.

Spotlight | China, Italy
Beijing plans influence campaign in Italy to stop it exiting New Silk Roads

Beijing does not intend to let Italy leave its giant New Silk Roads programme without hindrance. Its propaganda bodies are preparing to launch a major pro-Chinese influence campaign in Europe, starting in Rome.

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 12.09.2023

Insiders | China
Security, propaganda and the PLA: Xi Jinping forges new networks of influence

Almost six months after being re-elected president of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping is restructuring his power around new groups of loyal supporters. 

Xi Jinping.
LogoSubscribers only 28.08.2023
Xi Jinping.

Spotlight | Cambodia, China, France, Vietnam
Jonathan Choi, champion of Chinese interests in France and South East Asia

Known for his patronage in Paris, the Hong Kong businessman and prominent United Front member has also gained considerable influence in Vietnam and Cambodia through his groups Sunwah and VinaCapital. These are now being increasingly run by his son, Jesse Choi, as he works to expand their networks.

Jonathan Choi, CEO of Sunwah Group.
LogoSubscribers only International Dealmaking 18.07.2023
Jonathan Choi, CEO of Sunwah Group.

China, Japan
Japan's system of military surveillance for Chinese students draws interest in the West

The pioneering strategy Japan has put in place to fight Chinese interference in the academic sphere is earning attention from an increasing number of foreign powers, including France, the United States and Australia. Intelligence Online investigates the secret system of military surveillance of Chinese students.

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 21.04.2023

China
Western researchers, business leaders set for closed-door confabs with CCP at CASS and CDF

During two events scheduled for late March, European and American researchers and business leaders will meet in Beijing to discuss political and economic issues related to Xi Jinping's new term in office.

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 09.03.2023

China, France
The Chinese state-backed magazine seeking to influence France's think tanks and political elite

Beijing's latest influence campaign in France comes in the form of Dialogue Chine-France, a glossy magazine that is edited by Chinese state-backed media and a small Paris publisher and has ties to China's leading intelligence agency.

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 15.03.2021

China, France
United Front expands presence in Paris

A new Chinese writers' association in France, led by journalist François Leung, is backed by China's United Front Work Department, which is responsible for overseas influence campaigns.

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 28.09.2020

China, Europe
Harbin Institute of Technology draws concern in Europe

European intelligence services are growing increasingly concerned about the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), according to our sources. The university [...]

LogoSubscribers only Government Intelligence 24.06.2020

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