Reported By Palden
Edited By Pema Tso
Translated By TenGyal
Even as nearly two months have passed since the Chinese authorities arrested and abducted Zhang Yadi, also known by her Tibetan name Wangtso, a young Chinese woman who expressed deep love for and interest in the religion, culture, and language of Tibet, there has been no word about her condition.
On July 31, Zhang was abruptly arrested in Gyaltang County, Yunnan Province, by the Chinese authorities. At the time, she had returned from France—where she was pursuing her studies—to visit her parents and family. Now, almost two month later, her situation remains uncertain. With her phone and personal devices confiscated by the Chinese police, even her own family has been left unable to obtain any information about her condition.
On September 23, the global human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued an official statement regarding her case. The group reported that the Chinese authorities are threatening to imprison 22-year-old student-activist Zhang Yadi for years for speaking out against racial injustice and peacefully exercising her rights like many young people around the world. HRW also called for her immediate and unconditional release, stressing that none of her activities amount to a crime.
Speaking to Tibet Times, Zhang’s boyfriend, Kalsang Yarphel, recalled, “When we first met, she already knew the 30 Tibetan alphabet. She couldn’t form sentences yet, but she had a deep love and affinity for the language and insisted that I teach her. So I began guiding her through grammar and spelling by having her memorise the root verses of The Doorway to Clear Understanding (Logsal ’jug Ngog). She even took two lessons online and had made great progress.”
He went on to emphasise that Wangtso had done nothing illegal. “Although it is still unclear what the Chinese authorities have formally charged her with, I can only assume that they probably politicised her genuine love for the Tibetan language and culture. While it is true that she served as the editor of a digital Tibet-support platform, the platform focused on documenting ground realities and raising awareness about the need to protect Tibet’s natural environment, language, and culture by publishing honest articles. This was an expression of love and respect for a culture—not a political offence.”
Originally from Hunan Province, China, Wangtso is now 22 years old. In 2002, she moved to France, where she pursued her undergraduate degree in business studies while also actively participating in human rights activism. A devoted follower of Tibetan Buddhism, she engaged in regular recitation and spiritual practice. Known for her commitment to the Tibetan language, she has great love and affection for Tibet and the Tibetan people.
