17 Australian residents visiting family in China are missing and suspected to have been detained by the Chinese government as part of a national crackdown on ethnic muslim minorities.
Human rights advocates say some of the individuals are likely under house arrest, while others are detained in federal prisons and re-education centres in Xinjiang, alongside an estimated million other muslims that claim to be shackled and beaten by authorities.
Family members and friends are pleading for the Australian government to take action after receiving intimidating calls for personal data from Chinese authorities.
Labor’s spokeswoman for foreign affairs, Penny Wong, says she is concerned about their fate and the Australian government should not abandon its values and sovereignty in favour of a positive relationship with the Chinese government.