China's Coercive Tactics: Using Families as 'Hostages' to Silence Uyghur Dissent Abroad

China is reportedly pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights activists by using their families as "hostages." Chinese police officers are allegedly brokering video calls between Uyghurs and their family members in China, with the implied threat that harm will come to their families if they refuse to comply. Researchers have found that this tactic, known as transnational repression, is commonly used by Chinese authorities to control Uyghur communities abroad. Uyghurs in the UK and Turkey have reported being directly contacted by Chinese police and pressured to spy or refrain from advocacy work. The US government is beginning to address the issue with proposed legislation, and Uyghur rights activists are calling for Western governments to take responsibility and ensure the safety of Uyghur families.