A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has called on U.S. authorities to immediately stop imposing discriminatory measures on Chinese students, citing concerns over recent political actions targeting academic exchanges. Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the issue during a press briefing Thursday, stressing that Chinese students make up nearly 25% of all international students in the U.S.
The remarks follow reports that a U.S. House representative sent letters to six American universities demanding detailed information about Chinese students enrolled in STEM programs, citing national security concerns. Mao criticized the move as an example of 'overstretching the concept of national security.'
"Educational cooperation has long been a bridge of mutual understanding," Mao stated. "These exchanges not only benefit students from both countries but also contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth and technological innovation."
The spokesperson emphasized China's commitment to safeguarding its students' rights while urging Washington to create 'fair and non-discriminatory' conditions for academic collaboration. Over 370,000 Chinese students currently study in the U.S., forming one of the largest international scholar communities nationwide.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of cross-border educational exchanges, with both governments seeking to balance academic freedom with security considerations.
