United States will not tolerate Chinese 'exploitation' of universities and theft of research

(Patria) - The United States of America will not tolerate the 'exploitation' of American universities by the Chinese Communist Party or the theft of American research and intellectual property, said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Reuters reported.

At a State Department briefing, Bruce declined to give figures on how many Chinese students would be affected by the new plan for 'aggressive' visa revocations announced on Wednesday, but said officials would vet anyone 'considered a threat to the country or a problem.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announcing the new approach, said it would target students, including those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or those studying in key fields.

'When it comes to America's security, the United States of America, I can further say here, will not tolerate the exploitation of American universities by the CCP or the theft of American research intellectual property or technologies to enhance its military power, gather intelligence, or suppress opposition voices,' Bruce said.

The announcement regarding Chinese student visa holders followed the Trump administration's order to its missions worldwide to stop scheduling new appointments for student visa and exchange visa applicants.

When asked when appointment scheduling would return online, Bruce did not say, but recommended that applicants continue checking the U.S. visa system for new appointments.