Beijing issued a call for safeguarding the rights of Chinese students in the United States, following a request by a Congressional panel for detailed information from six American universities concerning their Chinese students. Citing national security worries, the panel expressed concerns about the presence of Chinese students and researchers in the U.S.
In letters sent to institutions such as Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University, allegations surfaced about the Chinese government’s efforts to embed researchers within prominent American universities, potentially to access sensitive technological research.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted that Chinese students make up about a quarter of the international student body in the U.S., contributing significantly to America’s economic success and technological advancements. Mao urged the U.S. to refrain from exploiting national security concerns and to adequately protect the rights and interests of Chinese students without discriminatory restrictions.
The Congressional letter, spearheaded by John Moolenaar, Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, was addressed to several prestigious colleges. Moolenaar expressed worries about American research security, alleging these institutions might be compromising research integrity and American talent in pursuit of financial benefits.
Schools involved include Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University, Stanford University, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and the University of Southern California. The letter alleged that the Chinese Communist Party has systematically placed researchers in prominent U.S. institutions, giving them access to sensitive technologies that could have military applications.
Further, Moolenaar emphasized that the current student visa system could be exploited, posing a threat to national security. He urged universities to disclose details about Chinese students, such as their funding sources and areas of research, along with admission and enrollment statistics.
Chinese students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the U.S. generally pay full tuition, making them valuable contributors to university funding. Although many return to China post-graduation for better job prospects, those pursuing advanced science and engineering degrees often remain in the U.S. for further studies or work, according to data from the National Science Foundation.
A Republican lawmaker recently proposed a bill to prohibit Chinese students from attending U.S. schools, intensifying the political discourse on the issue. Concurrently, the University of Michigan announced the discontinuation of its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. This decision followed incidents involving Chinese students connected to activities near a military site.
Santa Ono, president of the University of Michigan, communicated to a congressman that following an extensive review, the university had commenced a six-month process to officially conclude its collaboration with the Chinese university.