A groundbreaking Swiss government study reveals systematic Chinese surveillance and intimidation of Tibetan and Uyghur communities in Switzerland. Led by Prof. Ralph Weber at the University of Basel, the research documented various forms of transnational repression between 2000 and 2024.
The study, based on 60 interviews and extensive research, found that Chinese agents, often posing as diplomatic staff, monitor diaspora members and pressure them through threatening phone calls. Many are coerced to spy on their communities, while others face threats to their family members still in China.
According to Weber, “dozens of agents of the Chinese security services” operate in Switzerland. The pressure has created division within exile communities, with particular suspicion falling on recent arrivals who remain vulnerable due to family ties in China.
The Swiss government has condemned these rights violations and promised some measures, including better screening of asylum hearing interpreters. However, advocacy groups like the Society for Threatened Peoples argue these steps are insufficient and call for stronger legislation against transnational repression.
Zumretay Arkin, vice-president of the World Uyghur Congress, notes that “practically every Uyghur in exile has experienced some kind of repression at the hands of the Chinese government,” ranging from surveillance to attempted deportation.
The timing is significant as Switzerland marks 75 years of diplomatic relations with China and seeks to update their free trade agreement. Critics urge the Swiss government to prioritize human rights concerns in these negotiations and take more decisive action to protect Tibetan and Uyghur communities.