China's Transnational Repression of Student Activists Abroad

Amnesty International has released a report detailing China's efforts to target and silence student activists studying abroad. The report, based on interviews with dozens of students in eight European and North American countries, reveals a pattern of intimidation and harassment extending beyond China's borders.

The report highlights how Chinese authorities are increasingly employing "transnational repression" to suppress dissent among students studying abroad. This includes tactics such as monitoring online activity, pressuring universities to silence student groups, and even threatening family members back in China.

One student interviewed for the report described being contacted by Chinese officials after participating in a peaceful protest on campus. The officials warned the student to stop their activism and threatened to punish their family members if they continued.

Another student reported being subjected to online harassment and smear campaigns orchestrated by pro-government groups. These campaigns aimed to silence the student and discourage others from engaging in similar activities.

Amnesty International's report sheds light on the growing threat of transnational repression faced by Chinese students abroad. It calls on governments to take action to protect students' right to freedom of expression and assembly, and to hold China accountable for its human rights violations.