The Chinese government has expressed its dismay over the treatment of Chinese students arriving in the United States. In recent months, several Chinese students holding valid visas have been denied entry, interrogated for extensive periods, had their electronic devices checked, and, in some cases, forcibly deported from the country.
Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador in Washington, shared his concerns in a post on the Chinese Embassy website. He revealed that students returning to school from overseas travel or visiting relatives in China were subjected to an arduous eight-hour interrogation upon landing at U.S. airports. During this process, they were not allowed to contact their parents, faced baseless accusations, and were even repatriated with a ban on re-entry. Xie described this treatment as 'absolutely unacceptable' and expressed China's strong protest.
These protests come at a time when the United States and China are attempting to strengthen student and other exchanges as a means to improve relations. Over the past few years, tensions between the two nations have escalated due to issues related to trade, technology, human rights, and differing visions for the future.
It is important to note that there are currently nearly 290,000 Chinese students studying in the United States, comprising about one-third of all foreign students in the country. Additionally, China tops the list with more than 1.3 million students studying abroad, a significantly higher number than any other nation. Thus, the treatment of Chinese students in the United States carries substantial importance in the broader context of global educational exchanges.
In a statement released online, the Chinese Embassy emphasized that it has expressed 'solemn representations' to the U.S. government regarding the treatment of Chinese students arriving at Dulles airport in Washington, D.C. The embassy also cautioned Chinese students to exercise caution when entering the United States through this particular airport. However, it remains unclear whether Ambassador Xie's comments specifically referred to cases at Dulles or included other entry points as well.
Chinese state media has reported at least three instances since November at Dulles airport where Chinese students lost their valid student visas, received a five-year entry ban, and were repatriated after enduring extensive interrogations. The students were questioned about their sources of funding for their studies and asked whether they were affiliated with the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party, or any related organizations. Furthermore, they were interrogated about potential links between their research activities and the Chinese government, military, or state laboratories. The students in question were destined for prominent institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, Yale University, and the University of Maryland.
According to reports from state media, at least eight Chinese individuals carrying valid documents have been repatriated since November. Both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Embassy in Beijing have remained silent in response to requests for comment on these developments.
The Chinese Embassy's statement also mentioned that affected students had their electronic devices thoroughly checked, were restricted from communicating with anyone outside, and, in some cases, were held for over ten hours. These actions have not only severely impacted the academic pursuits of international students from China but have also caused immense psychological harm.
Critics argue that such treatment runs counter to the spirit of the agreement reached between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping during their November meeting, which aimed to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
The treatment of Chinese students arriving in the United States has become a contentious issue, with China expressing its firm displeasure at the treatment experienced by its citizens. As both countries attempt to navigate their complex relationship, facilitating an open and welcoming environment for students and promoting educational exchanges is crucial in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
