Photo taken on July 23, 2020 shows the frontal exterior of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, Washington, D.C., the United States. Photo: Xinhua

China deplores and firmly opposes the interrogation and deportation of a Chinese student by the US law enforcement at Houston Airport, and has lodged solemn representations with the US.

Recently, a Chinese student with a valid visa issued by the US government was wantonly interrogated by the US side at the border entrance. After being confined in a small room for more than 50 hours without proper food and rest, the student was deported by the US side through a third country on trumped-up grounds, according to the Chinese embassy in the US. 

The embassy said the US' action seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of the student, and caused serious physical and mental damage to him and his family. The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes this action, and has lodged solemn representation with the US.

There have been a number of similar cases of arbitrary and harsh interrogations and even deportations of Chinese students by the US law enforcement, which is a serious violation of students' human rights. What the US side has been doing gravely undermines normal people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation between the two countries, the embassy said.

The embassy said that "People-to-people exchanges are the social foundation of China-US relations. Chinese students in the US play a positive role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries."

Educational and cultural cooperation serves the interests of both sides. The embassy urges the US side to honor its statement of welcoming Chinese students, immediately stop abusing them by using national security as an excuse, and stop repatriating, harassing and interrogating Chinese students.

China will continue to support Chinese students in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law, and also reminds the students to pay attention to their surroundings and be safe, and guard against similar incidents, it said. 

Global Times