• China requests the US to uphold rights of international students amid visa processing freeze.
• US Secretary of State ordered a halt on new student visa interviews and considered social media vetting.
• Some Chinese students remain determined to pursue their US study plans despite uncertainties.

In light of the recent suspension of student visa interviews by the US State Department, China has urged the United States to protect the rights of international students. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, "China upholds that normal education cooperation and academic exchanges should not be disrupted," emphasizing the need for the US to safeguard the "legitimate rights and interests of all international students, including Chinese students overseas," according to Newsweek and AA.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive, which paused new visa applications and introduced potential social media vetting, has raised concerns among Chinese students regarding their educational aspirations in the US. As some student visa interviews were still permitted to proceed, uncertainty about future appointments lingered. This pause in processing has added to a series of restrictive actions by the Trump administration towards international students, sparking worries about the impact on education exchanges, as stated in reports by South China Morning Post.

Despite the suspension causing apprehension among prospective students, many Chinese applicants intend to continue with their original plans to study in the United States. For instance, a Zhejiang-based undergraduate expressed his commitment to pursuing US-based PhD programs, citing the inherent benefits of a US education that outweigh the current challenges. "Since I’m already in my third year and have pretty much made my choice, the cost of turning back now would be too high," he elaborated, which highlights a sentiment echoed by other students according to South China Morning Post.

Furthermore, some students who successfully attended scheduled interviews remained optimistic about their educational futures in the US, despite the shifting policy landscape. One student relieved over receiving her visa noted, "I was super worried going into the appointment," showcasing the resilience and determination of students amid uncertainties, as highlighted in South China Morning Post and echoed by AA.