WASHINGTON (AP) — Stephen Garrett, a 27-year-old graduate student, always thought he would study in China, but first the country’s restrictive COVID-19 policies made it nearly impossible and now he has other concerns.
The cost is one deterrent, but Garrett is more worried about restrictions on academic freedom and the personal risk of being stranded in China. He is not alone.
These days, only about 700 American students are studying at Chinese universities, down from a peak of close to 25,000 a decade ago, while there are nearly 300,000 Chinese students at U.S. schools.
Some young Americans are discouraged from investing their time in China by what they see as diminishing economic opportunities and strained relations between Washington and Beijing.
Whatever the reason for the imbalance, U.S. officials and scholars bemoan the lost opportunities for young people to experience life in China and gain insight into a formidable American adversary.
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
Composer's memories help shape the future
Guangdong sink Beijing in OT, end losing skid
U.S. Justice Department sues Apple for alleged monopoly in smartphone markets
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Following the patterns of history
Kipyegon and Duplantis set to star in Xiamen
China emerges as leading source of foreign investment in Tanzania: officials
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Color system, core graphics, sports pictograms unveiled for 9th Asian Winter Games