China Condemns U.S. Visa Restrictions Targeting Journalists
Beijing strongly criticized a new proposal from the U.S. that would limit Chinese journalists to 90-day visas, labeling the move as discriminatory and unjustly focused on specific countries, reports 24brussels.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that closer ties between China and the United States are mutually beneficial. He accused the U.S. of imposing unfair restrictions aimed specifically at select nations and called for a reassessment of these measures.
This response comes in light of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security unveiling plans on Wednesday to tighten visa regulations for international students, cultural exchange participants, and foreign media personnel. Under the proposed regulations, foreign journalists could stay in the U.S. for up to 240 days, with extensions available, except for Chinese reporters, who would face more stringent limits.
The draft regulation stipulates that Chinese journalists’ visas would be constrained to 90 days and renewed only under increased scrutiny. Furthermore, it proposes capping student and exchange visitor visas at four years, or even shorter if their programs conclude earlier, while adding new challenges for those wishing to extend their stay.
This proposal, currently open for a 30-day public comment period, echoes a similar initiative from the Trump administration in 2020, which ultimately did not come to fruition. Analysts warn that this measure could impose substantial financial burdens over the next decade, affecting universities, cultural initiatives, and visa applicants alike.
