US Ambassador in South Korea: "China, which stirs anti-American sentiment, even obstructs its citizens from attending embassy events"

Nick Burns, the U.S. Ambassador to China, claimed that Chinese authorities are obstructing their citizens from attending events at the U.S. Embassy and interrogating those who do attend, thereby fostering anti-American sentiment locally. His tone in criticizing the Chinese authorities was noted as unusually strong.

Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China (left), and Xi Jinping, President of China [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released on the 25th (local time), Ambassador Burns stated, "They say they support reconnecting the peoples of both countries, yet they are taking dramatic measures to make that impossible."

Since the U.S.-China summit held last November, Chinese authorities have pressured Chinese citizens not to attend or threatened those who did attend 61 public events hosted by the U.S. Embassy in China. Notably, some Chinese individuals who participated in mental health expert talks, panels on women entrepreneurship, documentary screenings, and cultural performances organized by the embassy were interrogated by officials. Sometimes, these interrogations reportedly took place late at night at their homes.

Ambassador Burns also asserted that the Chinese government is making it difficult for Chinese students to enroll in American universities. He explained that while U.S. diplomats typically attend university fairs across China to promote American institutions, such invitations for attendance have been canceled. Over the past two years, dozens of individuals selected for exchange programs funded by the U.S. have canceled their participation due to pressure from authorities, schools, and employers. This accounts for about half of all participants. Previously, at a concert hosted by the U.S. Embassy, the electricity was cut off on the day of the performance without prior notice.

Burns criticized, "This is not temporary but routine," adding, "It is confirmed at most public events." He raised his voice, calling it a "serious violation" and expressed hope that China would reconsider.

Regarding complaints from Chinese authorities that Chinese nationals visiting the U.S. with visas are being treated unfairly, Burns dismissed these claims, stating, "More than 99% of student visa holders are entering safely." He noted that last year, the U.S. issued 105,000 new student visas to Chinese nationals, the largest number since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Instead, he emphasized that the Chinese government has not permitted the U.S. Embassy in China to hire Chinese staff for the past three years, explaining that resolving this issue would enable more visa issuances. He claimed, "Despite the continuous demand from Chinese people for U.S. visas, we are fighting the spread of anti-Americanism," which is partly fueled by Chinese officials.

Ambassador Burns also lamented that the embassy's attempts to reach Chinese citizens through Chinese social networking service (SNS) platforms are hampered by government censorship and other obstacles. Even posts on relatively non-controversial topics, such as wildlife protection discussions, have their links and comments blocked. He said he has raised these issues with Chinese authorities multiple times, stating, "We have had countless conversations, but nothing has changed and nothing has been resolved."

Furthermore, regarding a recent incident in a park in Jilin Province in northeastern China, where a Chinese man attacked four foreigners, including an American university lecturer, Burns expressed concern about anti-American sentiment, saying, "We have not received sufficient information about the perpetrator's motives." Chinese authorities announced the suspect's arrest shortly after the incident but have not disclosed further details. The embassy confirmed that all victims are recovering from their injuries, and three of them are U.S. citizens.

The WSJ noted that Ambassador Burns' unusually strong tone in criticizing China's actions reflects growing concerns among U.S. officials about the sincerity of the Chinese government's efforts to improve bilateral relations. Burns, who assumed his post as ambassador to China in April 2022, is a veteran career diplomat with experience as a State Department spokesperson, ambassador to NATO, and deputy secretary of state.