China calls on the U.S. to safeguard the rights of international students, including Chinese nationals, following Washington’s suspension of student visa issuance, highlighting the political tensions affecting global education.

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Caracas, May 28, 2025 – The People’s Republic of China has formally urged the United States to respect and protect the legitimate rights of all international students, especially Chinese nationals, after reports emerged that the U.S. government ordered a global suspension of new student visa appointments.

This move, reportedly directed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, threatens to severely disrupt academic exchanges and the educational opportunities of thousands of students worldwide.

During a daily press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that normal educational cooperation and academic exchanges should not be hindered by unilateral or politically motivated actions.

She called on the U.S. to effectively safeguard the lawful rights and interests of international students, highlighting that education must remain a bridge for mutual understanding rather than a battlefield for geopolitical conflicts. Mao Ning’s statement reflects Beijing’s consistent position that education is a domain for collaboration, not confrontation.

The U.S. must protect the lawful rights and interests of international students from all countries, including China. pic.twitter.com/70ct6Xdo3c

— Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) May 28, 2025

The visa suspension is expected to cause significant delays and uncertainty for international students seeking to study in the United States. Many universities, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Stanford, rely heavily on international students who contribute billions to the U.S. economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The suspension threatens to undermine these educational institutions financially and culturally, while students face the prospect of interrupted academic plans and increased scrutiny, including expanded social media vetting.

This development occurs amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues ranging from technology and trade to national security and human mobility. The visa restrictions add to a growing list of frictions, including surveillance of Chinese researchers, sanctions against Chinese universities, and barriers to scientific cooperation.

China continues to monitor the situation closely and assesses the potential repercussions on its citizens and bilateral relations, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and respect for international educational exchanges.

China’s appeal to the United States highlights the critical role of education as a global common good and warns against politicizing academic collaboration, which ultimately harms students and institutions on both sides.

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