U.S. visa crackdown targets Chinese students in security push
The United States will not tolerate the "exploitation" of American universities by the Chinese Communist Party or the theft of American research and intellectual property, stated State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press conference on Thursday.
"The United States, I further can say here, will not tolerate the CCP’s exploitation of U.S. universities or theft of U.S. research, intellectual property, or technologies to grow its military power, conduct intelligence collection, or repress voices of opposition," declared Bruce.
The spokesperson declined to specify how many Chinese students would be affected by the newly announced plan for "intensive" visa cancellations on Wednesday but assured that officials would thoroughly analyze each case of individuals deemed a threat or issue for the country.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announcing the review of student visas, stated that it would apply to individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.
Suspension of visas
President Donald Trump's administration ordered this week that American diplomatic missions abroad suspend new meetings with foreign nationals applying for student visas under exchange programs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed "firm" opposition to the "unreasonable" decision by the U.S. authorities.
"This political and discriminatory action by the American side exposes the lies about the supposed freedom and openness that America so consistently promotes, and will only further harm the image of the United States, its international reputation, and credibility," emphasised Mao.
During a press briefing, Mao emphasized that the U.S. administration uses "ideology and national security issues as a pretext" to unjustifiably revoke visas. She added that these actions "seriously harm the rights and interests of Chinese students" and "disrupt normal people-to-people exchanges between the two countries."
