China welcomes Trump's reversal on Chinese student visas

Beijing, Aug 27 (PTI) - China has cautiously welcomed comments made by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at reversing his previous position by allowing 600,000 Chinese students to study in America. This comes after his earlier threat to revoke their visas as part of a larger crackdown on China's access to US technological advances.

In May, Trump had announced potential visa revocations for Chinese students in American universities.

However, in a policy shift ahead of a potential visit to China later this year, Trump mentioned at a cabinet meeting that he welcomes Chinese students, highlighting the importance of their contribution to the American education system. The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported Trump stating that the system would face significant challenges without Chinese students.

This reversal comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China, where issues surrounding Chinese students have been a point of contention.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to Trump’s remarks, expressing hope that the US would follow through on his commitment by stopping the harassment of Chinese students and protecting their rights.

Currently, about 270,000 Chinese students are enrolled in American educational institutions, making them the second largest group after Indian students.

During the cabinet meeting, Trump remarked on the strong relations between the US and China, as well as his positive relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed the significance of allowing Chinese students into the US, stating, "Our college system would go to hell very quickly" without them.

He emphasized that while the US is open to Chinese students, security checks would ensure oversight.

Trump noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports this oversight. On Monday, Trump reiterated his intention to welcome 600,000 Chinese students, dismissing stories suggesting otherwise and emphasizing the importance of their presence.

Earlier, in May, Secretary of State Rubio announced plans to revoke visas of certain Chinese students, targeting those in "critical fields" and with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

On August 22, China accused the US of discrimination, following reports of Chinese students facing harassment and deportation. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented on the unfair treatment, citing instances of prolonged interrogation and visa revocations on national security grounds.

In June, a 'mini-deal' between the US and China saw Beijing agreeing to resume rare-earth exports, while the US eased some tariffs and allowed Chinese students back into its universities.

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