China has urged the United States to uphold the lawful rights of international students, including those from the Chinese mainland, amid reports of new visa restrictions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need to protect academic exchanges during a press briefing on Wednesday.
The remarks followed reports that U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide were instructed to halt visa approvals for foreign students. Mao stressed that educational cooperation 'should not be disrupted,' reflecting concerns over potential impacts on cross-cultural engagement and academic mobility.
Over 370,000 Chinese students studied in the U.S. in 2022, according to Open Doors data, making them the largest group of international scholars in the country. Analysts suggest the situation could influence bilateral educational ties and global talent flows if unresolved.
This development comes as universities worldwide increasingly rely on international student enrollment. Stakeholders await further clarity on the scope and duration of the reported U.S. visa measures.
