China Warns Students of Long Interrogations and Harassment at U.S. Airports

On January 29, the Chinese Embassy warned Chinese students studying in the U.S. to avoid entering Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). As tensions between the U.S. and China remain high, it is more difficult for President Biden and Xi Jinping to stabilize U.S.-China relations. Both leaders met in November 2023 in San Francisco to promote people-to-people exchanges. 

Harassment at Washington-Dulles (IAD)

China and the U.S. have long-standing academic ties. According to the Chinese Embassy, nearly 290,000 Chinese students studying abroad attend U.S. colleges and universities. Chinese students comprise 35.5% of the United States' international students, contributing $15 billion to the U.S. economy. Additionally, 1.3 million Chinese students study abroad, more than any other country. 

Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman, claimed that dozens of Chinese students with valid travel documents were interrogated, harassed, and had their electronic devices inspected. During the interrogations, students were searched and isolated for up to 10 hours and were forbidden to speak with anyone. In more severe cases, some students even got their visas canceled and were sent back home. China accused the U.S. of targeting these students for political purposes.

At Dulles, Chinese students attending schools such as Yale University and the University of Maryland were interrogated by border control officers. They were asked about who is funding their education, their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, and if they conducted any research for any Chinese government entities. According to the Chinese Embassy, the border control officers' actions have "seriously impacted the academic pursuits of Chinese students studying in the U.S. and caused significant psychological harm." 

Moving Forward

China condemned the United States's interrogation and harassment of Chinese students and ensured it will continue to protect its citizens. It urges the United States to end these unfair practices towards Chinese students and to encourage further expansion of Chinese students studying in the United States. 

The Chinese Embassy also announced helpful tips for citizens harassed and interrogated at Dulles or other U.S. airports. If border control officers question citizens, they should remain calm and respond appropriately. If they continue experiencing harassment, they should keep a file of relevant evidence and contact appropriate authorities to file a complaint.