China reacts to student interrogations in US

China urged the U.S. to welcome Chinese students into its country and “stop the unwarranted interrogations, harassment, and deportations”.

Under its broader immigration crackdown, and concerned about the threat from China to U.S. national security, the Trump administration has taken a tougher stance against Chinese students in recent months.

Mao Ning, spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, was asked at a press briefing on Friday, August 22, about reports of the treatment of students from China.

“We will not allow any Chinese citizen traveling to the U.S. to be subjected to unfair treatment at any time or in any place,” Mao said, originally in Chinese, state news publication Global Times reported.

She said some Chinese students were interrogated in “small black rooms” for many hours, and in certain cases detained for days, to be questioned about matters unrelated to their studies in the U.S.

“We urge the U.S. to face up to the problem, take China’s concerns seriously, and put into practice the U.S. leaders’ stated welcome for Chinese students to study in America,” Mao said.

“The U.S. should stop the unwarranted interrogations, harassment, and deportations targeting Chinese students and scholars.

“China will continue to take strong measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens traveling to the U.S.”

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.