Chinese Students Abroad Face 'Climate of Fear': Amnesty Report

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Key Takeaways:

Chinese students abroad face significant risks, including familial harassment by Chinese authorities, affecting their academic and personal freedom.
Amnesty International reports that one-third of the 32 interviewed Chinese students experience a “climate of fear.”
Students take precautions like wearing masks and avoiding untrusted peers to prevent being reported to Chinese authorities.

Can Chinese Students Find Safety in Western Universities?

According to Amnesty International, many Chinese students studying abroad face a climate of fear that casts a shadow over their academic experience. Activities that their peers take for granted, such as attending vigils or discussing political views, are fraught with risk.

Chinese Students Abroad Face 'Climate of Fear': Amnesty Report

What Is the Extent of Transnational Repression?

The London-based human rights group interviewed 32 Chinese students across eight Western Europe and North America countries from June 2023 to April 2024. One-third reported living in a “climate of fear.” Ten students disclosed that Chinese authorities had visited their families in China to discourage their campus activities.

Real-Life Examples of Transnational Repression

A student identified only as “Rowan” shared a harrowing experience with Amnesty. Rowan attended a memorial for the Tiananmen Square massacre victims. Hours later, her father in China received a call from authorities warning him to tell Rowan not to tarnish the Chinese government’s image. Although Rowan hadn’t registered or posted about the event online, the message was clear: “You are being watched, and though we are on the other side of the planet, we can still reach you.”

How Many Chinese Students Face This Issue?

According to Amnesty International, approximately 900,000 Chinese students are studying abroad. In the fiscal year 2023, nearly 290,000 Chinese students were granted visas to study in the United States, making China the leading country for sending students to the U.S.

What Are Some Reported Cases of Repression?

Reports of transnational repression are not limited to Amnesty International. News outlets like Radio Free Asia (RFA) have highlighted several cases in the United States. For instance, Zhang Jinrui, a law student at Georgetown University, experienced this after participating in ‘white paper’ protests. Chinese state security officials visited his family back home following his protest activities, challenging harsh anti-COVID policies and free expression restrictions in China.

What Precautions Are Chinese Students Taking?

Many Chinese students adopt various measures to safeguard themselves and their families. Students at Columbia University, aiming to support the white paper protests back home, took several precautions. They wore masks at events and avoided inviting unfamiliar Chinese students to participate to reduce the risk of being reported to Chinese authorities.

Why Is There Fear Among Peers?

One-half of the students interviewed by Amnesty International said they feared being reported by fellow students. This fear compounds the isolation and loneliness of living in a foreign country. Michael, a student in North America, experienced ostracism from his local Chinese community after they learned of his involvement in political protests. He was removed from online chat groups and expelled from a community hobby club.

How Can Affected Students Seek Help?

For students feeling the pressure of transnational repression, knowing where to seek help is crucial. Universities often have support services, but many students may feel these avenues are insufficient. Consulting legal experts or human rights organizations such as Amnesty International could provide additional resources and support.

For further assistance and authoritative information, students can visit U.S. Department of State’s Study Abroad section. This resource provides guidelines and support options available for foreign students, offering valuable insights into staying safe and understanding their rights.

Transnational repression severely impacts Chinese students’ academic and personal lives abroad. It is crucial to spread awareness and provide channels of support to those in need.

Learn Today:

Glossary or Definitions

Transnational Repression
Definition: Transnational repression refers to the practice where authoritarian governments, like China, extend their control beyond their borders to monitor and intimidate dissidents, activists, or critics residing in foreign countries. This can involve tactics such as surveillance, threats to family members back home, or other forms of coercion to suppress dissent among expatriate communities.
Visa

Definition: A visa is an official endorsement, typically stamped in a passport, granting a foreigner permission to enter, stay, or leave a country for a specified period and purpose, such as studying, working, tourism, or residency. Visas delineate the conditions and duration of legal stay in a foreign country.
Amnesty International

Definition: Amnesty International is a global non-governmental organization focusing on human rights advocacy and campaigning. It investigates and reports on human rights abuses worldwide, including issues like political repression, freedom of speech, and protection for vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees.
Vigils

Definition: Vigils are public events or gatherings, often held to commemorate solemn occasions or express solidarity with victims of tragedies or injustices. In the context of the provided content, attending vigils is highlighted as an activity that can pose risks for Chinese students due to potential surveillance or repercussions from authorities.
Ostracism

Definition: Ostracism is the deliberate exclusion or isolation of an individual or group from social interactions, often as a form of punishment, retaliation, or coercion. In the context of immigration and transnational repression, ostracism may occur within immigrant communities due to political differences, leading to social alienation and adverse consequences for the affected individuals.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Chinese students studying abroad face challenges due to transnational repression. Fear and surveillance affect their academic and personal freedom. Recent cases highlight authorities’ interference with students’ activities, causing widespread concern. Awareness and seeking appropriate assistance from resources like Amnesty International or university support services are crucial for affected students navigating these complex situations.
— By VisaVerge.com