Government-assigned research shows that China is intimidating critics in the Netherlands

China is trying to silence Dutch journalists in China as well as Chinese dissidents in the Netherlands, researchers at the Leiden University have discovered. The methods employed vary from “spreading propaganda and misinformation, to far-reaching intimidation of journalists and their sources, personally targeted smear campaigns, cyber infiltration, and identity fraud: in the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide." The researchers said this is a worrying development.

The research was conducted at the request of the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament. Members of Parliament passed a motion last year to look into potential Chinese influence.

This inquiry was prompted by a story written by journalist Marije Vlaskamp of the Volkskrant, who reported that unknown individuals were filing bomb threats under her name. She had received a message on Telegram in which someone demanded she take an article criticizing China offline.

According to researchers from Leiden University, China is focused on “a war of attrition on critical voices on China, so that they become less active, get phased out, or give up completely.” This has affected Dutch correspondents in China but also Chinese people in the Netherlands who support the opposition in Hong Kong, LGBTI people, Tibetans, and supporters of the Uyghurs.

They have to deal with “intimidation tactics that are common in China” and therefore apply "self-censorship and self-surveillance as standard.” The researchers note that China primarily employs subtle pressure tactics pinpricks that only those with extensive background knowledge can fully understand

One example noted that intermediaries are sometimes used to approach critics. They are able to make it clear to those targeted that they are being watched and that private information about them has been obtained.