Report: Uyghurs and Tibetans face Chinese repression in Switzerland

The Swiss government released a report revealing that Uyghurs and Tibetans in Switzerland are subjected to China's transnational repression.

In a report released on February 12, the Swiss government concluded that China may have initiated espionage incitement and pressure campaigns against Uyghurs and Tibetans seeking refuge in Switzerland.

The report detailed the transnational repression of Tibetans and Uyghurs, stating: "Besides encouraging Tibetans and Uyghurs to monitor their fellow citizens in Switzerland, there are signs indicating systematic surveillance of political activists, including photography and video recording."

There are also indications of cyber attacks and monitoring of people's communication channels in China's transnational repression campaign, which may also target Swiss citizens who politically support Tibetan and Uyghur communities.

The Swiss government's findings were based on research by the University of Basel, recommended by the Justice and Immigration Office. The report stated: "Although the impact of transnational repression is not as easily detected as terrorist activities, from a long-term perspective, China's actions pose a significant threat to Swiss sovereignty."

The report also mentioned that this phenomenon would certainly increase due to advancing digital technology and strengthening cooperation between authoritarian states.

The report identified one of China's main surveillance objectives as preventing Swiss-based Uyghurs and Tibetans from participating in political activities, particularly noting China's use of cyber attacks in this regard.

According to the report, Chinese intelligence agencies monitor the protest activities of overseas Tibetan organizations. Chinese spies operate under diplomatic cover or pose as journalists, tourists, and students. This creates a long-term sense of being watched and various forms of harassment among those targeted, generating fear and restricting people's access to basic rights.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed dissatisfaction with Switzerland's report on Uyghurs and Tibetans at a press conference on February 13 and, as usual, denied the accusations, stating, "The Tibet and Uyghur issues are entirely China's internal affairs, and no external forces' interference will be tolerated."