Navigating US-China Relations in Higher Education

Every day there are multiple shootings in the United States. Schools, grocery stores, movie theatres, nail salons… It can happen anywhere. And with the increase in anti-Asian hate crimes since the beginning of COVID, Chinese students have more than one reason to be hesitant about studying in the United States.

Chinese students are losing interest in the United States. Gun violence, visa concerns, and political tension continue to push Chinese students away. | Photo by Quan Jing on Unsplash

Amid concerns for safety and rising tensions between the two nations, Chinese students' perception of the US has soured, pushing many to consider alternative destinations. Once the leading study-abroad destination for Chinese students, the United States has seen a significant decline in interest, dropping by 21% between 2015 and 2022.

According to a study of 2,086 Chinese people living in China in 2020 and 2021, 75% of respondents had negative views of the United States. Comparing these results with a 2021 survey of US and European public opinions, US and Chinese perceptions of each other were similarly negative: 76% of surveyed people in the United States had a negative view of China. While European countries had similarly negative views of China, China’s views of European countries were much less negative, at only 23-46% unfavorable opinions.

This mutual distrust between the U.S. and China leaves Chinese students questioning whether the United States is still a safe and welcoming option for their education.

Key Issues Impacting Chinese Students’ Perception of the United States

When it comes to negative perception of the United States, there is no one pivotal factor, but multiple that have built upon each other. These challenges are multifaceted, with each contributing to a broader sense of unease among Chinese students. To fully understand why Chinese students are turning away from the U.S., it's important to examine how these issues intersect and compound their concerns.

1. Physical Safety: News of gun violence in the United States has become a daily occurrence. By the end of June 2024, there had been 261 mass shootings in the United States. With 72 mass shootings in June alone, people are dying every day across the country. Additionally, the rise of Asian hate crimes since the pandemic has made Chinese students concerned about their personal safety in the United States. With the combination of gun violence and hate crimes, Chinese students perceive other countries as safer options.

2. US Border Policies: Horror stories of Chinese PhD students with valid visas turned away at the US border rightfully concern Chinese students. At least 70 students with visas have been deported since July 2021, largely due to US concerns about espionage. As of 2020, Chinese postgraduate students with any links to Chinese “military-civil fusion strategy” will be banned from post-graduate studies in the United States. With China’s extensive connection between civilian schools and the military, this ban could impact students who don’t knowingly have any connection to the military.

3. Work-Visa Concerns: Studying in the US doesn’t necessarily lead to work opportunities in the country after graduation. Chinese students can excel in their classes and internships but still struggle to find quality jobs in the US because of their immigration status. Take Toni Xu for example. Even after studying in the US for 10 years, she was refused a work visa 3 times. It didn’t matter how hard she worked, because the visa she applied for, the H-1B visa, was a lottery system. Knowing that they might not be able to get visas to continue their career after graduation in the United States, Chinese students are doubtful of their post-graduation opportunities in the

4. Trade Wars and Political Tension: In 2018, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods, escalating a trade war between the two countries. A 2020 study by the University of California found that increased tariffs directly impact the number of Chinese students studying abroad: "Cities in China that grew faster because of trade are also the ones that sent more and more international students to the U.S." With higher tariffs, Chinese cities had less economic growth, making it harder for Chinese families to afford U.S. education. The study projected that the US could lose 30,000 students over a decade, resulting in a loss of $1.15 in tuition revenue. In 2024, the Biden administration announced plans to raise additional import taxes targeting key industries such as semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. While more targeted than the Trump-era tariffs, these measures reflect the continued friction between China and the US and could further limit Chinese students' ability to move to the US.

Chinese students put a strong emphasis on word of mouth, especially from their peers. Words of encouragement from peers who have studied in the United States go a long way. | Photo by Danny Kang on Unsplash

Overcoming Negative Perceptions of the United States

Despite tension between the two countries and Chinese students’ concerns about living in the United States, hope isn’t lost for international recruitment between the two countries. Chinese students are still the largest portion of international students in the United States with 289,526 Chinese students studying in the US between 2022 and 2023.

To maintain this strong presence and improve Chinese students' perceptions, here are four key actions universities can take:

1. Proactively Address Safety Concerns: Because Chinese students and their families are often concerned about physical safety in the US, they need to know how your university ensures their safety. Showcasing your institution's comprehensive safety measures, such as campus security systems, emergency response protocols, and safe transportation options, can ease some of these concerns. Be sure not to just list these features - share specific stories or statistics that demonstrate their effectiveness. For example, you could mention how many students use your late-night safety shuttle service or highlight a recent safety improvement on campus.

2. Clarify the Visa Process: The U.S. visa process can be daunting for Chinese students, especially for post-graduation work opportunities. Offering clear, step-by-step guidance on navigating this process can boost their confidence in your university. Share any guides, workshops, webinars, or resources that Chinese students can access to better understand the visa process. Additionally, highlight any support services your institution offers for international students dealing with visa issues.

3. Share Testimonials of Chinese Students: Emphasize the positive experiences of current Chinese students and alumni. Personal stories can be incredibly powerful. Reach out to your Chinese student community and gather testimonials about their experiences. Focus on stories that highlight academic achievements, personal growth, and career success. Share these through your website, social media channels, and during recruitment events. If possible, arrange for prospective students to connect directly with current Chinese students or recent graduates.

4. Strengthen Partnerships and Outreach: Strengthen your partnerships with Chinese high schools and educational agencies. Developing strong relationships with these institutions can significantly impact your recruitment efforts by boosting trust with Chiense institutions and their students. To develop these relationships, attend education fairs in China, virtual or in-person, and attend or host webinars specifically for Chinese students and their families. Beyond specific events, building a presence on WeChat, China's most popular social media app, will boost your reach and help you connect with Chinese students where they're at.

Conclusion

Addressing the concerns of Chinese students regarding safety, visa issues, and political tensions is crucial to reversing their declining interest in the United States. Emphasizing comprehensive safety measures, transparent visa processes, and authentic student experiences can ease anxieties. Strengthening ties with Chinese educational institutions and agents will build trust and deepen connections.

By approaching these issues with empathy and transparency, US institutions can reshape perceptions and reaffirm the United States as a desirable destination. While changes won't happen overnight, addressing these concerns and fostering genuine connections will set the foundation for a more positive outlook among Chinese students.

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