China says US 'weaponizing' visas after space event no show
China has accused the United States of “weaponizing” visas, saying it has failed to grant them in time or at all for Chinese space officials for an international event in Washington, Reuters reports.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday a Chinese delegation had wanted to take part in the ongoing International Astronautical Congress being held in Washington.
China is an important participant in the congress and sends delegations every year, she added. China hosted the congress in 2013. Last year, it was held in Germany.
China had applied for the visas in July, and on Oct. 12 the delegation from the China National Space Administration went for visa interviews at the US embassy, but the head of delegation still did not have his visa as the congress began, Hua said.
“This caused the Chinese delegation to be unable to attend the opening of the International Astronautical Congress,” Hua said, adding that several other Chinese delegates also did not get visas.
The US embassy said it was unable to discuss individual visa cases as they were confidential under US law. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At the International Astronautical Congress on Monday, Wu Yanhua, vice chairman of the China National Space Administration, was the only official absent from a panel of other heads of space agencies from the US, Germany, Russia, India, France and Japan.
The panel moderator said his absence was due to a “scheduling conflict” and a conference spokeswoman said, “he was invited, but could not make it, which we regret very much.”
Hua said the issue was just the tip of the iceberg, with the United States stepping up denial, delay or cancellation of visas for Chinese academics, students and scientists.
The US has also gone against United Nations rules by denying visas for Russians and Iranians to participate there, she added.
“The United States is weaponizing the visa issue, repeatedly disregarding its international responsibilities and obstructing normal international exchanges and cooperation.”
China urges the US to change its ways, Hua said.
-- Contact us at [email protected]
RC/CG
-
Four recommendations for I&T development in Hong Kong Dr. Winnie Tang
As the Central Government has clearly shown its support to Hong Kong to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, we should seize this golden opportunity. I would like to
-
For HK to improve its deteriorating image, starting point is HK Frank Ching
Less than a month after assuming office, Chief Executive John Lee faces a major stumbling block in his much ballyhooed campaign to promote Hong Kong in the international community by “telling a good
-
Who is not on the Bauhinia award list? Ben Kwok
A record number of people made to the Bauhinia Honours List of public service this year. A total of 493 people were honoured as members of the community and public servants who have made significant
-
Towards a bold yet measured reopening of Hong Kong Brian YS Wong
Hong Kong must reopen, promptly. Hong Kongers know this. Tell this to the thousands stranded abroad, keenly awaiting the next flight – and hotel slots – back to their hometown. Tell this to the many
-
Cutting data’s carbon footprint for a more sustainable Hong Kong Sanjay Rohatgi
The creation, processing, and management of data have forever changed the world. Consider the fact that the amount of data generated each year worldwide is expected to grow to 175 zettabytes (ZB) by
