China: No police stations abroad – but “gas stations” Animals can also make comedy: The winners of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

The Chinese government has denied the existence of Chinese “overseas police stations” in other countries, but has acknowledged that “gas stations” exist. A foreign ministry spokesman said in Beijing that “dedicated overseas Chinese” help compatriots conduct official business. He responded to reports that there should be such institutions in Germany and other countries that also served to prosecute critics.

German security services believe there are two “overseas police stations” in Germany, mainly used to investigate and influence the Chinese diaspora, according to a government response to a parliamentary inquiry. These are currently believed to be “rather personal and mobile organized”. No permanent offices have been established.

According to dpa information, five ‘area managers’ offered both Chinese and Germans with Chinese roots legal advice and support with certifications and applications. The background of this help, which was mainly through chats, is said to be the acquisition of knowledge and the spreading of ideology.

When requested, a statement on Wednesday from Beijing’s foreign ministry about the “gas stations” said: “Your activities are there to help Chinese citizens who are unable to travel home during Covid-19 to apply for medical examinations to renew their driver’s licenses. when they expire.” The sites for this were provided by “passionate overseas Chinese groups.” The volunteers are “dedicated overseas Chinese, not Chinese police officers.”

Such services are now also available online, “so that the relevant filling stations are closed”, it was further reported. China does not interfere in internal affairs and respects the legal sovereignty of other countries. The “petrol stations” have not broken the law and “have not engaged in criminal activity”.

According to Madrid-based human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, there are about 100 “China Overseas Police Service Centers” in more than 50 countries. (aeg/sda/dpa)