China has officially lodged a protest against the United States following a controversial announcement that the US will begin “aggressively revoking” the visas of Chinese students enrolled at American universities.
On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had issued a formal objection to the US government in response to comments made by Marco Rubio, the current US Secretary of State.
Rubio had stated on Wednesday that the US would increase visa scrutiny for students from China and Hong Kong, citing national security concerns.
China: US Actions Are “Unreasonable” and Politically Motivated
During a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the move, describing it as politically driven and ideologically discriminatory.
“This unreasonable action by the US seriously violates the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and disrupts normal cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries,” Mao said.
She further accused the US of hypocrisy, stating that the decision undermines America’s long-standing claims of supporting freedom and openness.
“This discriminatory practice exposes the falsehood of the so-called freedom the US claims to champion. It further damages the US’s international credibility and national image,” she added.
US Cites National Security, Faces Global Criticism
The announcement has sparked backlash, not only from Beijing but also from educational and diplomatic circles worldwide.
Chinese students represent one of the largest international student populations in the United States and are a significant source of revenue for American universities.
Rubio’s remarks came just one day after the US State Department announced the temporary suspension of visa appointments for international students globally.
This follows a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict international enrollment at certain institutions, notably including a high-profile dispute with Harvard University, which had resisted federal pressure.
Growing Tensions in US-China Educational Relations
The visa crackdown marks a new flashpoint in already strained US-China relations, especially in areas related to technology, trade, and academic collaboration.
Critics argue that politicizing education could lead to long-term damage in bilateral ties and cultural exchange.
While the US has yet to clarify when the visa revocations will begin, Chinese authorities have called on Washington to reverse the decision and restore educational cooperation.
