Beijing demanded protections for Chinese students in the U.S. after a Congressional panel sought data from universities due to national security concerns. The panel accused institutions of endangering American research by allowing Chinese researchers access to sensitive technology. Chinese officials highlighted the importance of these students for funding and urged against discriminatory measures. This situation indicates growing tension between U.S. security interests and academic collaboration.

The Chinese government has called for enhanced protections for its students studying in the United States following a Congressional panel’s request for extensive data from six American universities. This request arises from concerns regarding national security and alleged infiltration of sensitive technology by Chinese researchers.

In a letter sent to institutions such as Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, the Congressional panel expressed fears about the embedding of researchers by the Chinese government within American universities. Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Mao Ning emphasized the significance of Chinese students, who constitute about 25% of all international students in the U.S. She urged that their legitimate rights and interests must be safeguarded against what she termed discriminatory measures.

The round of scrutiny was prompted by House Select Committee chair John Moolenaar’s letter to the mentioned universities, wherein he criticized them for potentially jeopardizing American research for financial gain. Notably, most Chinese students pay full tuition, presenting a substantial financial contribution to their universities, and many return to China post-graduation to work at institutions associated with their studies.

Moolenaar’s letter highlighted concerns about a systematic approach by the Chinese Communist Party to embed researchers within U.S. institutions, allowing direct access to sensitive technologies with potential military applications. He underscored that the current student visa framework could compromise national security by allowing unrestricted access to important American research.

The panel’s information request included details about Chinese students’ funding sources, research participation, and their educational backgrounds. This intensified scrutiny follows recent actions, such as the University of Michigan’s decision to sever ties with a Chinese university after several students faced charges related to suspicious activities.

In conclusion, the call by Beijing for student protections in response to U.S. Congressional actions reflects escalating tensions surrounding national security and academic cooperation. The situation underscores the pivotal role that Chinese students play in U.S. universities, both as financial contributors and as facilitators of international research. It is essential for both parties to navigate these complexities thoughtfully to maintain beneficial academic relationships while addressing security concerns.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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