Chinese authorities approached the family of an international student who participated in high-profile protests at the University of Queensland and warned his parents of the potential consequences of political dissent.
His mother told him not to engage in anti-China rhetoric in Brisbane and warned him not to join any events where people are gathered together in order for both of them to be safe.
The Australian director of Human Rights Watch, Elaine Pearson, said Chinese authorities had long monitored students and academics at universities around the world.