US riding its hobby horse with suspicions about scholars

Instead of considering them intellectuals with whom to exchange ideas, it seems the United States now regards Chinese professors and scholars in the field of social sciences as spies, and is shutting the door to them.

Many have been prevented from entering the US for exchanges or to attend seminars or take up positions as visiting scholars because Washington has decided in its infinite wisdom that they plan to conduct espionage activities, steal business secrets or interfere with US politics on behalf of the Chinese government.

What? Why?