Bangladesh, March 15 -- In a rare and politically sensitive move, authorities in Italy have ordered the expulsion of eight Chinese nationals accused of conducting surveillance and intimidation campaigns against political dissidents living within the country. The action, taken by the Italian Interior Ministry, reflects growing concern among European governments about what officials and human rights advocates describe as an expanding campaign of transnational repression carried out by the government of China.

The expulsions follow reports that Chinese state-linked actors had attempted to track down critics of the Chinese government who have sought refuge in Europe. Italian officials believe the suspects were working to identify dissidents,...