China has strongly criticized the United States for its recent decision to revoke visas of Chinese students studying in the US, calling the move politically motivated and discriminatory.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry warned that the action threatens already fragile ties between the world’s two largest economies.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the US was acting “under the pretext of ideology and national security”, which she claimed has seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students. She added that it would harm people-to-people relations.

“Such a politicized and discriminatory move lays bare the US lie behind the so-called freedom and openness that the US touts,” she added. “It will only further undermine its image in the world and national reputation.”

The sharp remarks come in response to a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced plans to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students, particularly “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields" deemed critical to US national security.

Rubio stated that the State Department, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, would enhance scrutiny "of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong". The sweeping measure is expected to impact thousands of students, given that the CCP has over 100 million members and many Chinese students are enrolled in science and technology programs in US universities.

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China, which had the second-largest number of international students in the US in 2024 -- after India, has expressed strong opposition to the policy. Mao Ning confirmed that Beijing has lodged formal diplomatic representations with Washington over the issue.

“This political and discriminatory action exposes the lies of freedom and openness that the US has consistently touted,” she said. “It disrupts normal people-to-people exchanges and undermines the foundation of bilateral relations. It will only further damage the US' international image and credibility."

When asked if the move could impact broader areas of US-China relations, such as trade, Mao reiterated China’s consistent position on maintaining stable ties.

“We hope the US side will meet the Chinese side halfway, take more constructive actions, and do more to promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations,” Mao said.

The US government’s decision comes amid ongoing tensions with China over technology, trade, and geopolitical issues. The Biden administration had attempted to stabilize ties in recent months, but this latest visa crackdown could reignite diplomatic friction and further complicate bilateral engagement.