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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Chinese students persist with US study plans despite Trump administration visa freeze

Students remain hopeful as US State Department orders halt on new visa appointments to prepare for expanded applicant social media vetting

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A gate on the campus of Harvard University in Massachusetts. Despite new hurdles for foreign students intent on studying in the United States, many Chinese students say they are undeterred. Photo: TNS
Xinyi Wu
The suspension of student visa processing by the US State Department has caused worry among Chinese students eyeing American universities, but many have said they still intended to proceed with their original study plans.
In a diplomatic cable on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed American embassies and consulates to halt new appointments as the administration prepared to expand its social media vetting of applicants, while previously scheduled visa interviews could proceed, according to media reports.

The latest hurdle followed a series of actions aimed at restricting international students over claims of antisemitism and threats to national security.

04:21

Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students

Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended hundreds of student visas, and on Friday, revoked Harvard’s right to enrol international students. A judge temporarily blocked the move, but the administration has threatened to cancel the federal government’s remaining contracts with Harvard University.
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Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Wednesday urged the US to protect its international students.

“It is China’s consistent position that normal education exchange and academic cooperation should not be disrupted. The US needs to protect the lawful rights and interests of international students from all countries, including China,” she said.

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But many prospective Chinese students remained undeterred by recent developments. James, a Zhejiang-based undergraduate student studying biomedicine, who asked that his surname not be used, still planned to apply for US PhD programmes next autumn, adding that the benefits of a US education still outweighed the current uncertainties.

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