• The US House Select Committee has demanded detailed information from six universities about their Chinese student populations, citing national security.
• Beijing has condemned these actions, urging the US to protect the rights of Chinese students and halt discriminatory measures.
• The controversy arrives amidst proposed legislation that seeks to restrict student visas for Chinese nationals, drawing criticism from various sectors.
• Chinese students make up a significant portion of international students in the US, and their contributions are seen as vital for both academic and economic growth.

The chair of the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, John Moolenaar, has sent letters to six US universities, including Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, requesting extensive data on their Chinese student populations. This initiative highlights growing concerns among US lawmakers regarding alleged national security risks associated with Chinese students enrolled in advanced science and technology programs.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry expressed outrage, urging the US to "stop overstretching the concept of national security" and to "protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students." Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Chinese students represent about a quarter of all international students in the US and play a crucial role in enhancing the economic prosperity and technological advancement of the nation. “Educational cooperation has not only expanded communication channels for students but has also promoted economic growth,” she stated.

The letters sent to universities included directives to disclose details such as the educational backgrounds of Chinese students, their sources of funding, and their involvement in university research programs. Moolenaar's accusations suggest that the Chinese Communist Party has created a "systematic pipeline" to embed researchers in US institutions, thus threatening American national security and research integrity.

The inquiry comes alongside a legislative push, led by Representative Riley Moore, aiming to ban visas for Chinese citizens pursuing education in the US. This bill, labeled the "Stop CCP Visas Act," has faced significant backlash, with critics warning that it echoes discriminatory practices from the past, notably the Chinese Exclusion Act. Moore claims such measures are essential for safeguarding American interests against perceived threats from China.

Despite the deteriorating diplomatic relations, many US universities continue to rely on tuition payments from Chinese students, who often pay the full cost for their education. As the debate unfolds, the implications for US-China relations and the future of educational exchanges remain significant.

For more details on the story, visit SCMP.