China exerts control from a nondescript office on Dublin’s Capel Street – The Irish Times

Key Findings

This article from the Irish Times details an investigation into the activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Ireland, focusing on a center in Dublin that served as a point of contact for the Chinese government and its efforts to monitor and influence its diaspora.

The Overseas Chinese Service Centre

Initially presented as a support center, the Overseas Chinese Service Centre (Dublin) was established with ties to the CCP's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (OCAO). The article highlights the visit of a senior OCAO official in 2016, shortly after the beginning of the CCP's repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

• The center provided services including visa screening and eventually housed a Fuzhou Police Overseas Chinese Affairs Service Station.
• This station, part of a global network, was involved in persuading Chinese emigrants to return to China to face charges, pressuring family members remaining in the country.

Key Individuals and Organizations

The investigation points to the involvement of several key individuals and organizations in Ireland, including:

• Dao Zhong Chen and Huade (Perry) Chen, involved with several Chinese organizations in Ireland, including the Fujian Chamber of Commerce.
• Yupeng Liu, involved in the Industry and Commerce Association of Ireland.
• Chaosheng Zhang, president of the Irish Chinese Professors and Scholars Association.

These individuals participated in conferences organized by CCP-affiliated bodies, including the 10th world Overseas Chinese Association Friendship Conference in Beijing.

CCP Influence and Concerns

The article raises concerns about the CCP’s reach and methods in Ireland:

• The use of organizations like the United Front Work Department (UFWD) to subtly influence political and cultural discourse.
• The potential for human rights abuses through pressure on citizens abroad.
• The role of these centers in furthering the CCP's political agenda, including concerning Taiwan.

Government Response

The Irish government complained to the Chinese embassy about the police station, which was subsequently closed. However, the article highlights ongoing concerns about covert operations by the CCP in Ireland.

Conclusion

The article reveals the hidden mechanisms by which the CCP exerts influence and monitors its citizens globally, and cautions against the CCP’s deceptive methods within communities abroad.