US-China tensions escalate over student visa revocations

China has officially protested the United States’ recent declaration to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students studying at American universities.

The move was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

It has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which says the decision damages not only student rights but also the broader cultural exchange between the two nations.

On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the issue, saying it had formally raised objections with Washington.

Spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the U.S. action as politically motivated and discriminatory.

Mao accused the Trump administration of exploiting national security concerns and ideological differences.

He accused of doing so, as a pretext for what she called an “unreasonable” crackdown.

According to Mao, this step severely undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students.

It also disrupts normal educational and cultural interactions between the countries.

Mao went further, arguing that the U.S. had exposed the “lies” behind its long-standing claims of freedom and openness.

She warned that the visa policy damages not only America’s international reputation but also its national credibility.

Rubio’s announcement singled out students from China and Hong Kong.

These, according to him, have historically constituted one of the largest international student populations in the U.S.

The crackdown is part of a broader tightening of immigration policies under the Trump administration.

On Tuesday, the State Department temporarily suspended all student visa appointments globally.

Also, just days earlier, the administration had attempted to strip international students at Harvard University of their visas.

This followed tensions between the school and the White House.

Rubio emphasized that the U.S. would now actively revoke visas for Chinese students.

This is particularly those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in sensitive academic fields.

He also pledged that the visa criteria would be revised to heighten scrutiny of all future applicants from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.

Chinese students have historically been vital to the U.S. higher education system, providing a significant source of revenue by paying full tuition.

According to the Institute of International Education, I,I,E, China sent 277,398 students to American institutions during the 2023–2024 academic year.

I.I.E is an organization supported by the U.S. State Department.

Although China has long been the top source of international students in the U.S., India surpassed China in total student numbers for the first time in years.

This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted Chinese students.

During Trump’s previous term, restrictions primarily focused on those studying in sensitive scientific and technological fields or those with suspected ties to the Chinese military.

It remains unclear if Rubio’s latest statement represents a significant escalation.

On the other hand, it clearly continues the administration’s tough stance on Chinese influence in academia.

In her statement, Mao Ning said Beijing had urged Washington to respect and protect the legitimate rights of all international students.

This includes those from China.

The new visa policies are part of a broader trend under the Trump administration to scrutinize international students more heavily.

Rubio also claimed credit for revoking thousands of visas, mainly targeting students involved in activism critical of Israel.

A diplomatic cable issued by Rubio on Tuesday directed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt all new student and exchange visa appointments until further notice.

The cable instructed officials to increase background checks, including examination of social media activity.

Experts say this move that could extend beyond Chinese nationals and affect students from allied countries as well.

The latest visa restrictions come amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University.

The White House has accused the university of promoting liberal ideology and tolerating anti-Semitism.

Also, it has moved to cut off federal research funding to Harvard and other elite institutions.

Harvard has strongly opposed these measures and has launched multiple legal challenges.

A federal judge has temporarily halted the administration’s order to bar international students, pending a court hearing scheduled for Thursday.

It is the same day as the university’s graduation ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where thousands of students and families have gathered.

Overall, China sees the visa revocation policy as a direct threat to academic freedom and cross-cultural cooperation.

Also, it has vowed to continue defending the rights of its students abroad.

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