U.S. pauses recruitment for China-based professional exchange programs after participant harassment

U.S. officials have ceased recruiting participants from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao for several long-standing professional exchange programs after Chinese authorities allegedly harassed and, in some cases, detained applicants. The recruitment freeze, implemented in late July, covers programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Professional Fellows Program, but it does not impact the American Institute in Taiwan’s operations.

A State Department memorandum described “excessive interference” by Chinese officials, noting that candidates were pressured to withdraw, threatened, and occasionally arrested because of their involvement. The decision was taken by the State Department despite resistance from the U.S. ambassador to China, David Perdue, and was made without input from the six U.S. diplomatic missions in China. Earlier this year, some exchange schemes had already been retired for cost reasons, making the new halt “totally unforeseen,” according to sources. Experts said the move highlights the gap between high-level diplomatic rhetoric and on-the-ground cooperation.