US President Trump recently stated that he will allow 600,000 Chinese students to study in the US, emphasizing that American universities welcome Chinese students. However, on the 28th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a safety warning, pointing out that US law enforcement agencies have repeatedly and unjustifiably interrogated, harassed, and deported Chinese students and scholars in recent times, reminding Chinese students and scholars going to or already in the US to heighten their safety awareness.
The Consular Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a 'Reminder for Chinese Students and Scholars to Pay Attention to Safety Risks When Going to the US.' This is the first safety reminder issued by the Chinese side regarding studying in the US since Trump began his second term in January.
The Consular Affairs Department said that recently, US border and immigration enforcement agencies have repeatedly subjected Chinese students, scholars, and others to unwarranted lengthy interrogations, harassment, and deportations at entry and exit ports. Such actions by the US side seriously harm the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars, and impact normal personnel exchanges and academic interactions between China and the US. China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious representations at the first opportunity.
The notice also states that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassies and consulates in the US remind Chinese students and scholars planning to go to the US or already in the US to strengthen their safety awareness, familiarize themselves with US entry regulations, and make adequate preparations before entering or leaving the US. If stopped and questioned by US border officials, stay rational and handle the situation properly. If your legitimate rights and interests are infringed upon, promptly contact the Chinese embassies and consulates in the US for assistance and inform your school or partner organization as soon as possible. Chinese embassies and consulates in the US will do their utmost to provide consular protection and assistance.
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has generally been unfriendly toward international students, especially Chinese students. Therefore, when Trump declared that the US not only wants Chinese students but also needs them—and that he would allow 600,000 Chinese students to enroll in American universities—it was particularly noteworthy.
"Saying that [Chinese] students are not allowed to come here is very insulting," Trump said at a White House cabinet meeting on the 26th. "I'm happy to see their students coming."
Trump also said: "Do you know what would happen if they didn’t come? Our university system would quickly collapse."