europe.chinadaily.com.cn
Decline in Chinese Students Studying in the US Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
The number of Chinese students in US universities has fallen from 372,532 in 2019-20 to 277,398 in 2023-24 due to rising geopolitical tensions and safety concerns, causing many Chinese families to reconsider their higher education plans in the US, leading India to surpass China as the largest source of international students in the US for the 2023-24 academic year.
- What is the extent of the decline in Chinese students studying in the US, and what are the main factors driving this decrease?
- The number of Chinese students studying in the US has significantly decreased, dropping from 372,532 in 2019-20 to 277,398 in 2023-24. This decline is primarily attributed to rising geopolitical tensions and safety concerns, leading many Chinese families to reconsider US-based higher education.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this decline for both the US higher education system and the future flow of Chinese students globally?
- The future may see a continued decline in Chinese students in the US unless bilateral relations improve and safety concerns are addressed. The shift in student destinations could reshape the landscape of US higher education, impacting research collaborations and economic contributions from Chinese students. Specific academic fields like economics, mathematics, computer science and finance, however, continue to attract Chinese students.
- How are the changing geopolitical dynamics between the US and China influencing Chinese families' decisions regarding their children's higher education?
- The decrease in Chinese students in the US is linked to worsening US-China relations and concerns about student safety, as evidenced by a Chinese Ministry of Education warning about certain US states. This shift is reflected in the declining proportion of Chinese doctoral returnees from the US (from 25% in 2020 to 14.54% in 2023).
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the decline in Chinese students as a significant and concerning trend. The headline and opening paragraph establish this negative tone. The use of statistics on the declining percentage of Chinese returnees with doctoral degrees from the US, compared to other countries, is strategically placed to emphasize the negative trend. While presenting factual information, the selection and sequencing of information contribute to a narrative that highlights the concerns rather than offering a balanced view. The inclusion of quotes from concerned parents reinforces this framing.
Language Bias
The article uses fairly neutral language, avoiding overtly charged terms. However, words and phrases like "worsening bilateral relations," "growing concerns over safety," and "hostile environment" carry negative connotations and subtly influence the reader's perception. While these are accurate reflections of concerns, using more neutral phrases like "changing international relations," "increased security considerations," and "evolving educational landscape" could enhance objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decline in Chinese students studying in the US, citing various reports and expert opinions. However, it omits perspectives from US universities or government officials on the reasons for this decline and any efforts to improve the situation. While acknowledging some positive aspects (US remains a top choice for undergraduate education in certain fields), the article doesn't explore potential factors on the US side contributing to the decrease, such as visa processing delays or changes in immigration policies. This omission creates an incomplete picture and might lead readers to assume the decline is solely due to Chinese concerns.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by focusing primarily on the negative impacts of geopolitical tensions and safety concerns. While these are significant factors, it doesn't fully explore the complexities of the situation. For example, the article implies a direct causal link between US policy and the decline in students without considering other contributing factors, such as changes in Chinese government policies or economic conditions. This oversimplification might lead to a biased understanding of the issue.
Gender Bias
The article includes quotes from both a male expert (Chen Zhiwen) and a female parent (Kendy Jia), providing relatively balanced gender representation in its sources. The language used doesn't exhibit any obvious gender bias. However, the article could benefit from including diverse perspectives from women in higher education or those involved in international student exchange programs.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a decline in Chinese students studying in the US due to geopolitical tensions and safety concerns. This negatively impacts access to quality education for Chinese students who may have previously chosen the US for their studies. The decrease in student mobility also affects the diversity and internationalization of US higher education institutions.