US colleges pushing back on scrutiny of Chinese students

Acknowledging the importance of Chinese students and scholars on their campuses, universities and colleges in the United States are working hard to reassure Chinese students that they are welcome despite mixed signals from Washington that have raised concerns among current and prospective students.

"The messaging is not consistent across our government" on issues concerning Chinese students coming to study in the US, said Brad Farnsworth, vice-president of the American Council on Education's Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement.

US President Donald Trump delivered a welcoming message during his June 29 meeting with President Xi Jinping when he said that there are many excellent students in China and that he always welcomes Chinese students to study in the US, Xinhua News Agency reported.