A 22-year-old student named Zhang Yadi has been detained in China after returning home from studying abroad in Europe. Her arrest has drawn attention to the country’s increasing crackdown on activists, especially those supportive of Tibetan identity and culture.
Zhang Yadi’s Journey and Activism
Zhang had recently traveled to the Tibetan regions of Sichuan, where she expressed her concerns about the erasure of Tibetan culture. Although there were signs of Tibetan identity in the form of language and traditional attire, she noticed that most businesses were Chinese-owned, and Chinese flags dominated the landscape. This experience sparked her activism.
After relocating to France in 2022, Zhang became outspoken about human rights, particularly regarding ethnic minorities like Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians. She contributed to a pro-Tibetan newsletter published by the activist group Chinese Youth Stand For Tibet (CYST). Her partner, Kalsang Yarphel, described how writing helped alleviate her feelings of isolation and depression.
Detention Without Contact
In late July 2023, Zhang was arrested upon her return to China, suspected of “inciting separatism.” This broad and ambiguous charge has been increasingly used against Tibetan activists. Since her arrest, there has been no contact with her friends or family. It is believed she is held in a detention center in Changsha, where she faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Escalating Repression
China has ramped up its efforts to quash dissent among ethnic minorities. A recent draft law prohibits actions that “damage ethnic unity,” even if they occur outside the country. The government has also pressured international institutions to refer to Tibet solely by its Chinese name, Xizang.
A Broader Context of Fear
Activists like Ginger Duan, founder of CYST, believe that Zhang may not have anticipated the severity of her situation. Historically, she had traveled through Tibetan regions without issue and hadn’t encountered hostility from authorities. Zhang aimed to bridge cultural gaps between Tibetans and Han Chinese, advocating for mutual understanding.
The International Response
Zhang Yadi was set to begin graduate studies in anthropology at SOAS University of London in October 2023. Following her disappearance, the university has expressed concern and is closely monitoring her situation. Friends believe advocates should have prioritized her safety, highlighting the dangers faced by young activists in China.
As her story unfolds, it raises questions about human rights and the state’s hostility toward expressions of Tibetan identity and activism both domestically and abroad.
