During a daily press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the United States to earnestly safeguard the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of all international students, including those from China.
The call came in response to reports that the United States had instructed all its embassies and consulates worldwide to halt visa approvals for foreign students. "Normal educational cooperation and academic exchanges should not be disrupted," Mao said.
International students contribute to campus diversity, drive innovation in research labs, and support local economies. Any visa suspension risks unsettling thousands of students, straining university budgets and cutting short collaborative projects.
Young global citizens and tech enthusiasts—as well as entrepreneurs eyeing overseas programs—are watching closely. For many, studying abroad is a springboard to cross-border careers in startups, sustainable development, and policy-making.
Thought leaders warn that limiting student mobility can stifle fresh ideas on sustainability and human rights, while travelers and digital nomads note that visa clarity is key to planning educational adventures worldwide.
With global education at a crossroads, calls for clarity and cooperation are growing louder. As Beijing and Washington navigate diplomatic hurdles, the future of international students—and the exchange of ideas they carry—hangs in the balance.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
