Beijing, China – July 28, 2025 –
China has sharply condemned the reported detention of yet another Chinese scholar conducting research in the United States by U.S. law enforcement agencies. Beijing accused Washington of “overstretching the concept of national security” and engaging in “political manipulation,” warning that such actions would ultimately damage America’s own international image and reputation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the issue at a regular press briefing on Monday, following reports of the scholar’s detention. While specific details about the scholar’s identity, the nature of their research, or the reasons for their detention were not immediately released by either side, the incident marks a recurring point of tension in the increasingly strained academic and scientific exchanges between the two global powers.
Guo stated that for “some time,” the U.S. has been “frequently harassing, questioning, and even arresting and prosecuting multiple Chinese students and researchers on unfounded charges.” He asserted that this “seriously infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars and severely disrupts cultural exchanges between China and the US, particularly in educational cooperation.”
“China urges the United States to stop engaging in ‘presumption of guilt’ and political manipulation, stop politicized and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students and scholars in the US,” Guo said, calling on the U.S. side to “back its words with concrete actions in genuinely welcoming Chinese students” to study in the country.
This latest incident comes amidst a broader backdrop of heightened scrutiny by U.S. authorities on Chinese researchers and academics, particularly those in sensitive scientific and technological fields. U.S. officials have frequently expressed concerns about intellectual property theft, economic espionage, and the potential for dual-use research to be exploited for military purposes by the Chinese government. These concerns have led to increased visa restrictions, enhanced vetting procedures, and, in some cases, arrests and prosecutions.
Previous cases have seen Chinese scholars charged with various offenses, including visa fraud, making false statements, and in some instances, attempting to smuggle biological materials. While some of these cases have led to convictions, others have drawn criticism from human rights groups and some academics who argue that the broad application of national security laws risks stifling legitimate scientific collaboration and fostering an atmosphere of suspicion.
China has consistently denied these allegations, portraying them as part of a broader U.S. effort to contain China’s technological advancement and to demonise Chinese citizens. Guo reiterated Beijing’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, stating, “China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars abroad, and also reminds those studying in the United States to remain vigilant about potential risks.”
The incident adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile relationship between Beijing and Washington, particularly as both sides engage in ongoing trade talks in Sweden and navigate a range of geopolitical flashpoints. The treatment of scholars and students remains a sensitive point, reflecting deeper distrust and strategic competition between the two nations.
