China hints at retaliation after US tightens visa rules for students and journalists

The changes, announced by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, have also fuelled concerns among Chinese students already in the United States and those planning to study there.

Under the new regulations, part of a White House crackdown on both legal and illegal immigration, student and cultural exchange visas will be limited to a maximum of four years.

“The US restrictions on people-to-people exchanges do not serve any party’s interest,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

“China firmly rejects the US discriminatory move targeting certain countries,” he said, adding that China reserved the right to respond.

Stephen, a Chinese student who was planning to study for a PhD in computer science in the US, said the new rules left him facing a dilemma.