China under scrutiny for suppressing SOAS-bound student's right to advocate for Tibet
Missing Chinese Student Zhang Yadi Under Scrutiny Amidst Broader Pattern of Silencing
Zhang Yadi, a Chinese student from Changsha, Hunan, is currently missing under alarming circumstances. The 26-year-old, who was fluent in Chinese, Tibetan, English, and many other languages, travelled back to China on 5 July to spend time with her family. Her last known communication was on 30 July while in Shangri-La, Yunnan province.
Since then, all communication with friends and colleagues has been severed. Her WeChat account showed unusual activity after July 30, raising concerns about her whereabouts and well-being.
Zhang was preparing to begin a Master's program in Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, in September 2025 on a prestigious scholarship. Her academic pursuits focused on issues related to Tibet, a region where she had shown a keen interest.
The case of Zhang Yadi's disappearance is a cause for concern for those who work on issues related to Tibet, human rights, or democratic freedoms. Jiang Tianyong, a well-known Chinese human rights lawyer, was forcibly taken away by unidentified men during a meeting in Changsha on 16 September. Jiang was known for supporting activists and their families, including being commissioned by friends of Zhang Yadi to assist Zhang’s mother.
Jiang's brief detention underscored the risks faced by those attempting to assist Zhang's family. The organization Free Tibet has drawn attention to this pattern of suppression, stating that the silencing of students, researchers, and activists by Beijing is related to work related to Tibet, human rights, or democratic freedoms.
Zhang's mother, Zhou, has given inconsistent statements and developments that have heightened suspicions. The disappearance of Zhang Yadi is a potential indicator of the Chinese government's continued efforts to suppress dissent and opposition. This pattern of silencing is not limited to a single case, but is part of a broader trend.
The case of Zhang Yadi's disappearance is of concern to those who advocate for freedom of speech and expression in China. The authorities are reportedly investigating Zhang on charges of "endangering national security." The organization Free Tibet urges the international community to press China to reveal Zhang's whereabouts and ensure her safety.
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