Chinese embassy in US urges students to ‘tell China’s story well’ and help to build bridges
- Message to mark start of academic year also tells Chinese citizens studying in America to work to promote greater understanding at time of heightened tensions
- Students told they are ‘representatives of this generation of Chinese youth’
China’s embassy in the United States has urged students there to “tell China’s story well” to Americans and promote greater understanding between the countries as the new academic year begins.
The instruction came in an open letter published at a time when growing confrontations between the two nations have led to heightened US scrutiny of Chinese organisations and individuals.
“You are representatives for this generation of Chinese youth,” the statement read.
“We believe you will be able to demonstrate young Chinese peoples’ feelings and responsibilities through openness and confidence, to tell China’s story well, build bridges through friendship, and actively contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding between China and the US.”
Tensions between the US and China saw Beijing issue travel advisories to its citizens in June, citing law enforcement actions such as immigration checks and home interviews for Chinese travellers.
China’s Ministry of Education also urged students and academics heading to the US to “raise their risk assessment” given increased visa delays and denials.