US lawmakers want to bar Chinese military scientists from getting student or research visas

Republicans in Congress want to bar Chinese military scientists from obtaining visas to study or work in the United States, drawing criticism on Wednesday from Beijing.

Companion bills in the House and Senate would compel the White House to identify a list of research and scientific institutions that the president determines are affiliated with or funded by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The PLA Visa Security Act introduced on Tuesday would prevent people currently or formerly employed or sponsored by such entities from entering the US on student or research visas.

The legislation landed as the two global powers are locked in a fierce trade showdown that has bruised US-China ties, roiled world markets and led US President Donald Trump to boost punitive tariffs on Chinese merchandise imports.

Senator Tom Cotton, a bill co-sponsor, said “keeping PLA scientists out of our research laboratories is a basic act of self-defence”.