China Urges US to Welcome More Chinese Students After Trump’s Remarks

Beijing has expressed hope that the United States will take tangible steps to welcome more Chinese students, following remarks by President Donald Trump indicating a plan to allow up to 600,000 students to enter the country. During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We’re going to allow — it’s very important, 600,000 students. It’s very important.” His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The US State Department has recently revoked approximately 6,000 student visas since Secretary of State Marco Rubio took office seven months ago. Although the State Department did not specify the nationalities affected, Rubio had previously committed to a more aggressive stance regarding students from China.

Beijing Calls for Concrete Actions

In response to Trump’s comments, Chinese officials urged the US to “translate President Trump’s statement of welcoming Chinese students into concrete actions.” During a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized the need for the United States to cease what he described as “groundless harassment, questioning, and repatriation of Chinese students.”

Guo further stated that educational exchanges and cooperation play a vital role in enhancing communication and understanding among the people of different countries. He asserted that the US should effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students studying abroad.

Despite Trump’s recent comments, the landscape for foreign students in the US has been challenging. In June, Trump intensified efforts against top US universities, including instituting a ban on visas for foreign students attending Harvard University. This decision prompted a strong response from China, with the foreign ministry denouncing the politicization of educational cooperation and affirming its commitment to protecting the rights of its overseas students.

Tensions in US-China Educational Relations

The ongoing dialogue regarding student visas reflects broader tensions in US-China relations, particularly in the education sector. As both nations navigate complex political dynamics, the future of educational exchanges remains uncertain.

While Trump’s statement offers a glimmer of hope for increased Chinese student enrollment in the US, the reality of visa revocations and the political climate could impact the willingness of students to pursue their education abroad. Both nations will be watching closely to see if diplomatic efforts can lead to a more welcoming environment for international students.