The World Uyghur Congress on Friday said its member Dilshat Reshit has been removed after Swedish authorities arrested him on charges of Chinese espionage.

The organisation said Reshit had served as the WUC’s Chinese-language spokesperson since 2004.

"Following confirmation of the serious charges, the WUC Presidency held an urgent meeting and decided to remove Dilshat Reshit from his position in accordance with our by-law and in line with our commitment to integrity, transparency, and the safety of our community," WUC said in a statement.

WUC said recent arrests in various countries and Western parliaments have highlighted the increasing intrusiveness and reach of Chinese espionage networks.

"We have implemented internal counterintelligence measures, as demonstrated by the vetting process required for candidacy to our Delegates and Executive Committee members. However, we lack the institutional and financial resources to confront the full scale and sophistication of transnational repression on our own," WUC said in a statement.

WUC said that since it was founded, it has consistently raised the alarm about the Chinese government’s coordinated efforts to silence dissent abroad.

"These practices not only endanger the safety and cohesion of Uyghur diaspora communities but also pose a direct threat to the sovereignty, public safety, and national security of host countries," the statement said.

WUC called on all governments and host countries to ensure effective cooperation between their counterintelligence services and Uyghur organisations.

"Enhanced coordination and institutional support are urgently needed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that legitimate human rights work can continue free from foreign intimidation and interference," the organisation said.

"We also call on international human rights organisations to continue reporting on incidents of transnational repression and support Uyghur communities in the diaspora," the statement said.