As pro-Palestinian protests against the Gaza war sweep across major U.S. university campuses, Chinese international students appear to be distancing themselves from the demonstrations.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the interview conducted on the 12th with 10 Chinese students attending U.S. universities revealed that these students are avoiding personal participation in the protests although they are outraged at the loss of innocent lives in the war.
The reason for their reluctance stems from concerns that involving in protests might affect their international student visas and future employment opportunities. They were particularly wary of being photographed participating in protests, which could leave a permanent record of their participation.
Chen, a Chinese student at Columbia University who is said to have provided necessary supplies and a small amount of financial support to students setting up tents and protesting on campus, admitted that the pro-Palestinian sentiment reflected China’s stance. However, he expressed concern about the potential risks associated with being identified as participating in the protest when he returned to China.
“This is more about the form of the protest itself than the subject of the protest,” he said.
He added that international students who aim to secure stable jobs in state-owned enterprises upon returning to their home country are particularly concerned.
Tamia Zhou, a doctoral student at the University of Southern California, also stated, “If I were to be identified or arrested, my student visa could be jeopardized and I might be deported back to China. I am avoiding participation in any protests.”
On the 26th of last month, the Chinese embassy and consulates in the U.S. issued a notice warning Chinese international students to avoid protest areas and crowded places.
Meanwhile, since the first anti-war protest at Columbia University on the 18th of last month, similar demonstrations have taken place at about 50 campuses across the U.S. and approximately 2,500 students have been arrested. The wave of anti-war protests is spreading to Europe and Asia.