Sign in

‘Just service centers’: China rejects illegal police stations in Netherlands

China's Illegal Police Stations In Netherlands: Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said “the allegation is simply untrue.”

Published on: Oct 27, 2022, 12:14:53 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

China denied accusations that it is running “illegal” overseas police stations in Netherlands saying that it is only helping nationals with issues like renewing drivers’ licenses. A human rights group on Wednesday said that illegal police stations in Netherlands and Europe made by China were tracking down dissidents in these countries and were aimed at bringing them back to China.

China's Illegal Police Stations In Netherlands: A China's flag flutters. (Reuters)
China's Illegal Police Stations In Netherlands: A China's flag flutters. (Reuters)

When asked about reports that China has two police stations like these in the Netherlands, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said “the allegation is simply untrue.”

Read more: China to ban alcohol? Xi Jinping could for government officials: Report

“They are in fact overseas Chinese service centers,” he adding saying that the offices are helping people who can’t return home due to Covid-19.

Public security officials in these stations were “strictly observing international law and fully respecting the judicial sovereignty of other countries,” Wang Wenbin said.

Meanwhile, the Dutch government has started an investigation into the facilities, the Financial Times reported.

Read more: Why searching ‘Beijing’ in China after anti-Xi Jinping protest isn't possible

“The Chinese government never informed us about the centers through diplomatic channels so that makes them illegal,” Dutch ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson said.

Earlier, the human rights group Safeguard Defenders said that it found China had opened 54 stations in 30 countries, including the US, UK, Brazil and Nigeria.

  • Mallika Soni
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mallika Soni

    When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.