Embassy lodges solemn representation to the U.S. over the latter's unwarranted interrogation and harassment of Chinese students at border port

Several Chinese students studying abroad were subjected to unwarranted interrogations and harassment upon their arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport. Their visas were subsequently revoked and they were deported back to China, according to the Chinese Embassy in the U.S.. China has lodged solemn representation to the U.S. in regard of this matter.

The embassy said on Monday that those students involved all hold valid documents and are returning to the U.S. after vacationing in their home country, traveling to a third country, attending a conference, or arriving for their first semester. During their stay, they have been subjected to prolonged questioning, in addition to their electronic devices being inspected. Moreover, some even had their personal freedom restricted for more than 10 hours and are prohibited from contacting the outside.

The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. attaches great importance to safeguarding the welfare of Chinese students studying abroad and has lodged a solemn representation with the U.S. side regarding this matter.

The U.S. has frequently subjected Chinese students to unwarranted interrogation and even deportation, which seriously undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and runs counter to the consensus reached between the Chinese and U.S. heads of state during their meeting in San Francisco on promoting people-to-people exchanges.

We strongly urge the U.S. side to end these unfair practices, cease unwarranted harassment, interrogations, and deportations of Chinese students, and effectively implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state to support China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges and encourage the expansion of the scale of Chinese students studying in the U.S..

The embassy also reminded students planning to study in the U.S. to carefully consider their choice of entering the country through Washington Dulles International Airport, and to raise awareness of security when entering the U.S.. If stopped by U.S. border law enforcement officers, remain calm, and handle the situation properly. If treated unfairly, keep necessary evidence and file a complaint to relevant authorities.