On March 19, the Chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on China, Mike Gallagher, claimed that China had placed researchers in top U.S. institutions to gain direct access to sensitive dual-use technologies. He warned that if not addressed, the U.S. could face the cost of these trends in the form of advancing China’s technological ambitions.
On March 20, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning addressed this issue at a press conference, stating that Chinese students make up about a quarter of the total international student population in the U.S. Educational cooperation between China and the U.S. has enhanced mutual understanding between the people of both countries and contributed to America’s economic prosperity and scientific and technological advancements, benefiting both nations. China urged the U.S. to cease misusing national security concerns, protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students, and refrain from discriminatory practices or restrictions against them.
