US Checks Social Media Accounts For Student Visa Applicants, China: Don't Politize Education

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - The Chinese government is responding to the latest U.S. policy that will check social media accounts for student visa applicants in the country.

"China-US education cooperation benefits both parties, therefore we oppose the politicization of educational cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, June 19.

A spokesman for the US State Department on Wednesday (18/6) issued an announcement on how to filter and check student visa applicants.

"Based on the new guidelines, we will conduct a thorough and thorough examination, including online attendance, of all student applicants and exchange visitors in the non-immigrant classification of F, M, and J," the US State Department website said.

Previously, President Donald Trump's administration temporarily suspended visa interviews in May for applicants for visas for the category "F" (academic students), "M" (vocational students), and "J" (cultural exchanges).

To facilitate the inspection, all non-immigrant visa applicants F, M, and J were ordered to adjust privacy settings across all their social media profiles to "public".

"We hope the US will follow up on President Trump's statement about welcoming Chinese students to study in America and effectively protecting the legitimate and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scientists in the US," Guo Jiakun said.

The US State Department said the policy was a decision that national security.

The US is said to have to be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure those who apply for entry to the US do not intend to harm Americans and their national interests.

In addition, all applicants called credible prove their feasibility for the requested visa, including that they intend to engage in activities that are in accordance with the terms of acceptance.

The Trump administration has tightened standards for international student admissions, citing alleged antisemitism in student demonstrations protesting Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

The Trump administration has specifically shown a strong stance towards Harvard University, which is considered to have failed to stop student demonstrations. The government pressured the campus by freezing subsidies and suspending the institution's eligibility to accept international students.