China protests against the US: students subjected to interrogation and visas cancelled
Beijing denounces abuse and discrimination against Chinese citizens in the United States
China has lodged a strong protest against the United States following reports of interrogations, harassment and mistreatment of Chinese students arriving to study. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning spoke of “discriminatory, politically motivated and selective enforcement of the law” by US authorities, according to the Global Times.
Prolonged interrogations and cancelled visas
According to Mao, some students were taken to “small black rooms” and subjected to lengthy interrogations, in some cases lasting more than 70 hours, with questions unrelated to the reason for their trip. In several cases, visas were cancelled on the pretext of alleged national security risks, resulting in a ban on entry into the US.
Consequences for cultural exchanges
The spokesperson denounced that such practices ‘seriously violate the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, disrupt exchanges between peoples and damage the atmosphere of cultural and educational cooperation’. Mao recalled that Beijing had lodged ‘solemn representations’ after each incident, asking Washington for clarification and a thorough investigation.
Beijing’s position
‘The Chinese Communist Party and the government always put citizens first,’ Mao reiterated, stressing that Beijing will not allow unfair treatment of its citizens abroad. China, she concluded, ‘urges the United States to honour the American president’s commitment to welcome Chinese students by putting an end to unfounded interrogations, harassment and deportations’.
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(Photo: © AndKronos)


