Understanding the Risks: China’s Influence on International Students in the US
The environment for international students and scholars in the United States has become increasingly complex, with new findings pointing to foreign governments’ interference, particularly highlighting the government of China as a significant concern. A report released by Freedom House on January 31, 2023, brings to light the intricate ways in which these international students are being targeted, coined under the term ‘transnational repression.’
What is Transnational Repression?
Transnational repression refers to the coercive actions taken by authoritarian governments to silence and control dissent beyond their borders. According to Freedom House, international students, scholars, and faculty members in the United States fall victim to such actions, undermining their freedom and safety in their host country.
How Significant is the China Threat to US-based International Students?
Pointedly, the Freedom House report specifies, “The biggest threat to international students and scholars studying and working in the United States is the government of China.” This assertion underscores the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, spilling over into academic institutions and affecting students’ everyday lives.
The Role of the United Front Work Department (UFWD)
The report goes on to discuss the mechanisms utilized by the Chinese government to exert its influence abroad. Central to this is the United Front Work Department (UFWD), described by the U.S. State Department as a vast network aimed at influencing individuals and groups outside of China. Moreover, the report highlights the involvement of Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs), facilitated by the UFWD, in monitoring and mobilizing students in the US against perceived threats or criticisms of China’s policies.
What Can Be Done to Protect Students from Transnational Repression?
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Freedom House suggests several measures to safeguard students and faculty from undue foreign influence and surveillance. Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, emphasizes the need for understanding and action, stating:
“Young people who come to the United States to take advantage of its higher education system are being followed and harassed by some of the worst perpetrators of human rights violations. Many colleges and universities lack the tools to protect them from ongoing threats from authoritarian regimes.”
To address these challenges, Freedom House recommends:
– Establishing a clear definition of transnational repression to educate staff, students, and faculty.
– Developing a robust reporting mechanism to document incidents of transnational repression on campuses.
Final Thoughts
The landmark report by Freedom House sheds light on a pressing issue facing international students in the United States, particularly those from or associated with China. As global tensions manifest in academic settings, it’s vital for educational institutions, policymakers, and the broader community to rally together, ensuring that campuses remain places of learning and freedom, not surveillance and coercion.
For international students facing issues or seeking advice, resources such as the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program offer guidance and support for navigating these complex landscapes. Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students, irrespective of their nationality, is paramount in preserving the integrity and value of American higher education.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The rising complexity in the US for international students involves risks linked to China’s government influence, as termed in Freedom House’s report of Jan 31, 2023. Transnational repression by China is a major concern, affecting freedoms and safety. Understand these threats, safeguard with defined measures, and ensure campus remains a place of learning, not coercion.
