United States

The interview aired on Asharq News and featured Dr Marvin Lee, a researcher on Chinese affairs at the University of Manchester, alongside Joseph Bosco, former China desk officer at the US Department of Defense. The discussion addressed Washington’s decision to suspend and review visas for Chinese students—particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive scientific fields—and Beijing’s firm opposition to the move. The programme examined the broader implications for US–China relations, higher education, and technological competition.

The discussion outlined that the US administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, intends to tighten visa scrutiny for Chinese nationals pursuing studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, physics, and advanced technology, citing national security concerns. Dr Lee noted that China swiftly condemned the decision as a dangerous act that violates human rights and deepens the new Cold War atmosphere. He emphasised that over 290,000 Chinese students were enrolled in US universities in 2023, making up 27 percent of all international students and contributing millions of dollars to the US economy through tuition fees, rent, and travel spending.

Marvin Lee’s viewpoint is that China views this measure not as a security safeguard but as an ideological and economic provocation. He argued that the move undermines academic exchange and mutual understanding, framing it as part of a broader pattern of US containment. From a Chinese philosophical perspective, he explained, Beijing believes in “welcoming friends from near and far” while protecting its national interests through calm and strategic restraint. Rather than retaliating by restricting American students or professionals, Lee predicted that China will respond by enhancing domestic research capacity and expanding academic collaboration through Hong Kong and Belt and Road partner countries. He further linked the policy to China’s national goal for 2025—to become a leading global technological power—and stated that the country is already launching competitive programs and offering incentives to attract international researchers. Concluding his remarks, Lee asserted that China’s approach will remain pragmatic: transforming external pressure into an opportunity to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and global influence.