The United States and China have been engaged in a trade war for several years now, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods in an effort to gain leverage in negotiations. While the focus of this trade war has primarily been on the exchange of goods and services, there are other sectors that are being impacted as well, including students and tourists.
Students from China make up a significant portion of the international student population in the United States, with over 360,000 Chinese students studying at U.S. universities in the 2018-2019 academic year. These students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy in tuition and living expenses, and their presence enriches the cultural diversity of American campuses. However, the trade war has raised concerns about the future of Chinese students studying in the U.S.
In response to the trade war, the U.S. government has implemented stricter visa policies for Chinese students, including increased scrutiny of visa applications and restrictions on certain fields of study deemed sensitive to national security. These measures have made it more difficult for Chinese students to obtain visas to study in the U.S., leading to a decline in the number of Chinese students coming to America.
On the other hand, Chinese authorities have also warned students about the risks of studying in the U.S. amidst the trade war, citing concerns about discrimination and visa restrictions. This has led some Chinese students to reconsider their plans to study in the U.S. and choose other countries for their education instead.
In addition to students, tourists from both countries are also feeling the effects of the trade war. The U.S. has seen a decline in Chinese tourists visiting the country, with the number of Chinese visitors dropping by 5.7% in 2018 compared to the previous year. This decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the devaluation of the Chinese yuan and the trade tensions between the two countries.
Similarly, American tourists visiting China have also faced challenges, with reports of increased scrutiny and delays at Chinese customs and immigration checkpoints. Some American tourists have reported being singled out for questioning or having their belongings searched more thoroughly than others, leading to concerns about discrimination.
Overall, the trade war between the U.S. and China has had far-reaching effects beyond just the exchange of goods and services. Students and tourists from both countries are being caught in the crossfire, facing increased scrutiny and restrictions as a result of the tensions between their respective governments. As the trade war continues to escalate, it is important for both countries to consider the impact on these individuals and work towards finding a resolution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.