A series of marine science educational activities have recently taken place in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, sparked by the first-ever visit of China's research vessel, Deep Sea No. 1, carrying the manned submersible Jiaolong, the Global Times learned on Wednesday. 

According to Xinhua News Agency, the vessel is on a home-bound voyage after completing a scientific mission in the Western Pacific Ocean. 

The scientific expedition team of Chinese and foreign scientists set sail on August 10 from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, completing a total of 18 dives in the Western Pacific. It was the first time that foreign scientists have carried out deep-sea scientific research in the craft, according to the same report.

The Global Times learnt from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday that the expedition, co-led by HKUST, is part of the first international deep-sea metascience program, "Digital Deep-sea Typical Habitats," backed by the central government, and involved the participation of foreign scientists.

During Jiaolong's two-day stay in Hong Kong, HKUST has hosted academic public lecture, seminar and roundtable forum to enhance public awareness of the nation's deep-sea research achievements and foster interest among young people in scientific inquiry.

Nearly 300 elementary and secondary students from more than 10 Hong Kong schools attended a public lecture at the Hong Kong Science Museum on Tuesday afternoon, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) told the Global Times. 

HKUST has organized a series of marine science educational activities in collaboration with the Deep Ocean Affairs Administration of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) beginning in August. These activities included a voyage departure ceremony on August 10, as well as a regional interactive session "Deep-Sea Classroom" conducted earlier this month.

Chinese observers on Tuesday slammed smears presented in a US House committee report as a cliché that was aiming at stifling China's technological advancement and hyping up the "China threat" narrative.

The report, released on Monday by the Republican members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, claimed that hundreds of millions of dollars in US federal research funding over the last decade has contributed to China's technological advancements and military modernization and that collaborations between Chinese entities and US-funded researchers and universities have significantly contributed to China's progress in critical areas such as hypersonic and nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, according to the New York Times. 

This is just part of the US anti-China rhetoric, repeating the same cliché of smearing China, Lü Xiang, an expert on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

The US has been hyping up the normal exchanges between China and the US, particularly since 2018, Lü noted.

House Republicans argued that these research publications could potentially be weaponized against the US in the event of a conflict with China, according to Fox News.

The report calls for stricter regulations on federally funded research and limiting the opportunities for researchers receiving US grants to collaborate with Chinese universities and companies that have military connections. 

However, the Democrats on the China committee chose not to sign on to the report, saying that it was a conversation that required more nuance. "Cutting off all collaboration would not serve US interests either," reported New York Times, citing a representative for the committee's Democratic staff.

The GOP report clearly said it was the US Department of Defense and US intelligence agencies that are funding relevant schools and research institutes. Such claim is similar to accusing them of potential treason. Such accusation reflects the increasing intensity of political struggles within the US, Li Haidong, a professor from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

A Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Tuesday that the US is once again overstretching the concept of "national security" and hyping the "China threat" rhetoric.

Scientific and technological researches themselves are neutral, and many of the projects are not military-backed, the above-quoted expert said. It is the US that unilaterally labeled them with the so-called military applications.

It is worth noting that the US report significantly exaggerates its own scientific research capabilities while downplaying China's research and development achievements, Lü said. He noted that China is in a leading position in many areas of the scientific research, especially in large-scale applications and integrated applications. 

The House report examined several China-based joint institutes between Chinese and American universities, including the University of California, Berkeley and Georgia Institute of Technology. Both Berkeley and Georgia Tech disputed many of the report's findings, according to the New York times. 

'Risk of long-term damage to bilateral ties'

Following the San Francisco summit between the two heads of state in November 2023, China has been facilitating deeper communication, whereas the US has imposed numerous obstacles that impede the enhancement of normal interactions between the two sides.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press briefing in June that such US moves "have created a chilling effect" for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. 

The smear campaign launched by the US against China's independent, innovative technology developments serves to further obstruct normal academic exchanges between the two countries, the above-quoted military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times.

The educational cooperation between China and the US offers significant benefits, particularly in the foundational training of students from both countries. Impeding the normal exchanges in science and technology between the two countries results in significant losses for all parties involved, Lü noted.

Cutting off scientific exchanges between China and the US will result in long-term damage to the relationship between the two countries, Lü warned.

The recently opened exhibition titled Stars over the Volga: Works by Academicians of the Russian Academy of Arts is marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia at the China Millennium Monument in Beijing.

The exhibition features 100 paintings created by academicians and corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Arts since the 20th century and includes oil paintings, watercolors, and some mixed-media works. 

The pieces, arranged according to the birth dates of the artists and the date the works were created, showcase the internal developmental threads of Russian painting. Most of these works and artists are being exhibited in China for the first time.

Through the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful landscape paintings created by renowned Russian artists, which vividly display the beauty and uniqueness of Russia, noted Natalia Stepkina, counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, during the opening ceremony on Friday.

All of the works on display are provided by the Russian Academy of Arts and encompass landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and thematic creations, showcasing the easel painting art of the academy's members over nearly half a century. The exhibition will run until mid-October.

Autumnal Equinox, the 16th solar term of the lunar 24 solar terms, started on Sunday (September 22) this year and marks the midpoint of autumn, dividing the season into two equal parts. It also marks the harvest season. This year marks the seventh celebration of the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, a time when farmers across the country share in the joy of the harvest. 

After Autumnal Equinox, the location of direct sunlight moves to the south, making days shorter and nights longer in the northern hemisphere. By this time, most regions in China have transitioned into the cooler autumn season. As cold air from the north meets the diminishing warm, humid air, it often results in precipitation.

Ancient Chinese tradition divides the Autumnal Equinox into three pentads: the first observes the softening of thunder, the second sees hibernating insects begin to nest, and in the third pentad, water starts to dry up.

During this season, crabs are considered particularly delicious. Eating crabs is believed to nourish the marrow and help clear internal heat from the body.

In South China, a custom for Autumnal Equinox is known as "having Qiucai (an autumn vegetable), a type of wild amaranth that is popular during this time. Every Autumnal Equinox day, Qiucai, verdant in the field, is collected and made into soup with fish, called "Qiutang" (autumn soup). 

Besides, Autumnal Equinox is the perfect season for kite flying. Children fly various kites, enjoying the pleasant weather. 

In North China, taro becomes a staple in the seasonal diet during this time. Health experts recommend having some more easily digestible foods in autumn. Taro is soft and nutritional. 

In some regions, there remains a folk tradition of extending greetings and well wishes for a successful autumn ploughing. 

Since ancient times, many places have had folk custom of mountaineering and sight-seeing. Due to the effects of air pressure and humidity, autumn often brings clear blue skies, white clouds, and cool breezes, making it perfect for mountaineering. 

During the Autumnal Equinox, the temperature difference between morning and evening becomes more pronounced, so people should adjust their attire to prevent catching colds.

Fitness exercises in this season can do more of cold-resistant exercises and aerobic exercises, such as hiking, walking and cycling. After the Autumnal Equinox, it is recommended not to engage in excessive exercise, as it may deplete yang energy. Instead, people may try some gentle exercises including tai chi, Baduanjin (an ancient Chinese qigong exercise combining movement), and Wuqinxi (the Five-Animal Exercises), so that the whole-body sweats slightly and not too tired. 

After the robust micro-drama industry intrigued young Chinese viewers with romance shows, it is now experiencing a notable surge in popularity among middle-aged and elderly audiences, evolving from a niche medium into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. These short, melodramatic shows, often featuring middle-aged protagonists in fantastical scenarios, have captured the imagination of an older demographic. However, this burgeoning trend also brings to light significant challenges, particularly concerning content homogenization and the need for stricter regulation.

The appeal of micro-dramas to older demographics is significant. According to the 2024 China Micro-Drama Industry Research Report by iResearch.com, users aged 40-59 constitute 37.3 percent of the micro-drama audience, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 12.1 percent. This shift highlights a broader trend: Digital entertainment is increasingly catering to an aging population. With China's elderly consumption potential projected to soar from 40 trillion ($5.6 trillion ) to 106 trillion yuan by 2050, the market for such content is both expansive and lucrative.

The success of micro-dramas among older viewers is evident from their prominence on various platforms. Data from DataEye and WETRUE reveals that micro-dramas featuring middle-aged protagonists frequently top the charts, reflecting their widespread appeal. Shows like The Flash Marriage at Fifty, which features a wealthy CEO marrying a middle-aged woman, have resonated with viewers seeking both escapism and relatable narratives. The dramatic plots, marked by themes of instant romance and personal transformation, offer a stark contrast to the everyday realities faced by many elderly viewers.

Experts suggest that as the internet and mobile media become more prevalent among older adults, these platforms increasingly serve as substitutes for diminished social support. Micro-dramas, particularly those exploring family dynamics and emotional conflicts such as "mother-in-law issues," "divorces," "flash marriages," and "reconciliation," provide emotional compensation and a sense of connection.

However, concerns about content homogenization are growing. Many micro-dramas rely on repetitive and formulaic elements, such as "villainous female characters" and "hasty marriages," which can lead to viewer disengagement. Additionally, the stereotypical portrayal of family conflicts in these dramas may exacerbate negative perceptions of real-life disputes, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and potentially increasing emotional strain for older audiences.

For instance, the emergence of themes like "tyrannical CEOs" and "sweet romances" has become predictable, with many new dramas offering little beyond superficial variations of these tropes. This homogenization risks reducing the genre's appeal as viewers may grow tired of repetitive plots and characters.

Monetization practices within the micro-drama sector further complicate matters. Reports indicate that many platforms employ aggressive and often deceptive tactics to extract money from viewers, including hidden fees, automatic renewals, and misleading pricing structures. These practices place a substantial financial burden on consumers, particularly elderly viewers, who may struggle with the complexities of digital payments and subscription models. Many elderly individuals find themselves facing unexpected charges due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies, exacerbating their financial strain and sense of exploitation.

As highlighted by recent user experiences, elderly individuals often find themselves unwittingly spending significant amounts of money on micro-dramas due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies. Such issues are compounded by a lack of adequate support and recourse for resolving disputes, leaving many viewers feeling exploited.

To address these challenges, the National Radio and Television Administration has implemented new regulations that went into effect on June 1. Dramas are managed based on their investment levels: Projects with high amounts of funding are overseen by national and provincial bodies, while lesser funded projects are handled by the online platforms. Furthermore, unapproved and unregistered micro-dramas are prohibited from being disseminated online.

As micro-dramas continue to captivate older audiences, addressing the issues of content quality and regulatory oversight will be crucial in ensuring that this genre remains both engaging and ethically responsible.

The Chinese national soccer team lost 0-7 to Japan on Thursday in the first match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. 

This defeat reportedly set three unfortunate records for Chinese soccer team: their biggest-ever loss to Japan, the most goals conceded in a single World Cup qualifying match, and their biggest defeat in World Cup qualifying history.

The last time the Chinese team defeated Japan was during the 1998 Dynasty Cup semifinals when they won 2-0. Since then, China has gone 14 matches without a victory against Japan in all competitions, with eight losses and six draws. 

On social media, such a defeat has sparked torrents of criticism and dismay, and even satire from Chinese fans.

Li Boqing, a traditional storyteller, offered a pointed remark: "If we had forfeited the match and lost 0-3 by default, we could have saved travel expenses and invested in youth training instead, while also preserving a better goal difference. In World Cup qualifiers, sometimes a single goal difference can determine whether a team advances."

Sports commentator Zhan Jun also expressed his dismay on social media, calling the second-half collapse and the overall performance unacceptable. He pointed out that the coaching team seemed to lack a detailed study of Japan's attack tactics and did not make effective adjustments.

"It appeared that the players were unprepared, and the coach failed to convey his strategy through substitutions. Hopefully, the coaching team will learn from this, and the Chinese team can return home and rebound with a stronger performance in the second round," he stated.

The second Sino-Swiss Research Integrity Workshop: Responsible Research and Innovation was held at the Residence of the embassy of Switzerland in China on September 5 in Beijing. 

From September 5 to September 9, Swissnex in China curated a 5-day program to bring together leading Swiss and Chinese researchers at the intersection of AI, governance, and ethics. This event is more than just an academic exchange; it's a vital dialogue between two nations with distinct perspectives on technology's role in society. 

This program offers a unique opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration between Switzerland, which ranks high in high-precision innovation and strong fundamental sciences, and China, a leading country in applied AI. The insights and solutions that emerge from these discussions will not only shape the future of AI but also strengthen the bonds across the international academic community. 

As AI continues to influence every aspect of our lives, the decisions and frameworks we develop now will determine the integrity and impact of this transformative technology for generations to come.

As Pan Zhanle miraculously, yet unsurprisingly, surpassed the French swimmer alongside him in the final 50 meters and touched the wall first, China's swim team secured the gold medal in the men's 4x100m medley relay.

The achievement upended the US's streak of winning gold in the event for 10 consecutive Olympics.

Twenty-two minutes later, the Chinese women's team clinched the bronze in the same event.

During the subsequent award ceremony, the swimmers from different countries gathered on the podium to celebrate and take selfies, marking the end of the swimming competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Despite the smiles and flashing cameras, the recent controversies surrounding this swimming pool were hard to overlook.

Doping became a hot topic during the swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Some, including media sources from the US and the Western countries, seemed eager to seize on any opportunity to disparage Chinese swimmers by linking them to doping.

The issue appears to go beyond sports, raising suspicions about the underlying motives. At what should be a venue for peace and friendship, this has almost become a new weapon to attack China.

US media and institutions have incessantly hyped the issue of doping at the Olympics, using it as a pretext to attack the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and criticize the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

However, on the contrary, doping issues involving athletes from the US often seem to be handled with much more leniency. In 2020, the US even passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, positioning itself as an international enforcer to intervene in doping cases worldwide, particularly targeting other nations.

Behind the US and Western "anti-doping" narrative lies a complex power dynamic that manipulates the sports field for political gain. The Paris Olympics once again highlighted how doping tests have been weaponized, severely disrupting the normal conduct of the Games. The abuse of anti-doping measures to create chaos in the Olympics is a prime example of the US-led "liberal international order" based on selective rule enforcement.

Paris farce

In the just-concluded drama that seems more fitting for a political stage than a sporting arena, the US and its allies have once again turned their attention to doping allegations, this time targeting the Chinese swimming team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I've lost count of how many tests I've done. I often get called for tests at 6 am," Qin Haiyang, a Chinese swimmer, candidly admitted during the press conference following the Paris Olympics' 4x100m mixed medley relay final on Saturday, where the Chinese team won silver, breaking the Asian record. "It really does impact our entire preparation rhythm," he added.

Earlier, Chinese swimmer Pan's victory in the men's 100m freestyle final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with a time of 46.40 seconds, a fresh world record, drew suspicion from foreign media. On Friday, Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei countered at an after-match press conference, asserting that Pan's performance was legitimate, questioning why no one scrutinized American swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.

Pau Gasol, former NBA player and a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, expressed "regret" over the frequent doping tests faced by Chinese swimmers at a press conference during the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, calling for respect for WADA's authority and testing system.

According to the Chinese swim team, from May 5, when the team began training for the Paris 2024 Olympics, to July 22, the athletes underwent extensive international and domestic anti-doping tests, including both urine and blood tests, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Zhang, Qin and several competitive swimmers were tested over 25 times each, while most other athletes underwent more than 20 tests.

An insider told the Global Times that China has maintained a strict stance against doping violations, with an enforcement rigor that is arguably the highest in the world and recognized internationally as a high standard. China's punitive measures are also unique, involving severe administrative penalties for those who violate doping regulations. It can be said that China has been genuinely committed to anti-doping efforts over the years.
Compared to the frequent therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) applications by American athletes, China's requests for TUEs are notably few. This is also largely because doping has long been a zero-tolerance issue in China, the insider noted.

World Aquatics noted that since January, each Chinese swimmer has been tested an average of 21 times by various anti-doping organizations. In contrast, Australian swimmers were tested an average of four times, and American swimmers six times.

Moreover, on Saturday, IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that WADA and other authoritative bodies have the authority to decide the number of doping tests to ensure the fairness of Olympic competitions.

Smear campaign

As the proverb goes, you can never wake someone who pretends to be asleep. In the face of truth, some Western media remains willfully blind.

One of the US' favored strategies in recent years has been to incessantly hype suspicions of doping among Chinese athletes. This tactic, shrouded in a veneer of concern for fair play, often seems more like a calculated move to cast a shadow over China's sporting achievements.

The tactic is both incredibly disgusting and offensive, as no matter the frequency with which the international and Chinese official institutions have refuted and clarified the accusations, the US government, media, and opinion leaders just turn a blind eye and continue to maliciously smear China's credibility. With false accusations, they jointly conspire to draw the targeted Chinese athletes into an incredibly time-consuming and energy-draining self-justification trap, observers noted.

Several major mainstream media outlets have played an essential role in the US' chain of fabricating and spreading the "doping" accusation. The latest round of hype started from a July 30 article by The New York Times (NYT), which quoted two anonymous sources "with direct knowledge of the matter," as saying that two Chinese swimmers "tested positive in 2022 for a banned steroid," including one who was named to be in the Olympic team in Paris. It viciously hinted that the swimmer used drugs and was unqualified for the ongoing Olympics.

Regardless of WADA's responding statement on the same day, which dismissed the NYT's accusations, mainstream US media like The Associated Press soon joined in spreading the slander, by citing one-sided sources from among US swimmers who expressed "disappointment" in their Chinese competitors.

It's infuriating that self-claimed professional US news agencies play up anti-China sentiment in the Olympic arena while setting facts aside. "The politicization of anti-doping continues with this latest attempt by the media in the US to imply wrongdoing on the part of WADA and the broader anti-doping community," WADA said at the end of the statement, noting that it has been "unfairly caught in the middle of geopolitical tensions."

Similarly, before the Paris 2024 Olympics took place, the US had launched a round of misinformation campaign against Chinese swimmers, so as to exert public pressure on China and its athletes on the eve of this global sporting pageant.

In early July, some mainstream US media including the NYT, NBC, and CNN intensively reported that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation, into "how anti-doping authorities and sports officials allowed elite Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for a banned substance," to "escape punishment and win a slew of medals."

The case they mentioned was about United States Anti-Doping Agency claiming that 23 Chinese swimmers were suspected of using a banned drug in 2021. It's worth noting that, WADA and FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation Association) had determined it was an accidental food contamination incident and absolved the involved swimmers after conducting an investigation, but the US government departments and media still hyped the case with misleading, suggestive language, which was "extremely rude and evil-minded," said observers in media and sports reached by the Global Times.
Worse still, US media publicly disclosed the complete name list of the 23 swimmers involved after they had been proven innocent. WADA prohibits making public the names of the innocent athletes who have been cleared of wrongdoing, Shang Ximeng, a research fellow at the Center for International Sport Communication and Diplomacy Studies at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times. She added that US media had seldom exposed the names of US athletes involved in similar cases.

"But this time, the media deliberately made the names of Chinese swimmers public and put them in the spotlight, so as to harm their reputation and bring disruption to their matches," she told the Global Times. "That was immoral and against the rules."

Weaponizing sports

American sports history is riddled with instances in which athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs were shielded from consequences.

For example, at the 1996 Olympic trials, Mary Slaney tested positive for steroids but claimed her positive result was due to birth control pills. US authorities later believed her and reinstated her eligibility. Similarly, in 1998, Dennis Mitchell's positive drug test was absurdly attributed to excessive sex and beer, a flimsy excuse that was accepted.

The intersection of politics and sports has been a longstanding tool for the US to exert influence. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter called for a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, garnering support from 65 countries.

David Niven, a political science professor from University of Cincinnati, asserts that understanding American life requires understanding its politics and sports, noting a resurgence of political activism in sports.

Shang noted that funding is an another tool the US uses to exert its jurisdiction in sports. Contributing about $3 million annually to WADA, the US leverages this to attempt to place more Americans as decision-making roles in WADA, threatening to cut funding otherwise. The Rodchenkov Act allows the US to conduct independent investigations and levy penalties, causing unease for WADA and the IOC. This act places US legal standards above global anti-doping efforts.

However, the global anti-doping field continues to harbor persistent malice toward China. As China's strength has become increasingly apparent, it has faced baseless accusations for a long time. Today, China has earned the respect and recognition of WADA through its own integrity and rigorous anti-doping efforts, analysts said.

Nigeria, one of Africa's largest economies, is making its debut at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) with an independent booth for the first time, a Nigerian trade official told the Global Times.

The 2024 CIFTIS is the first large-scale international, comprehensive exhibition held after the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It highlights China's commitment to further opening up to the world and its readiness to share the benefits of its economic growth.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from countries across the globe, with Nigeria, Portugal, and France among 13 nations and international organizations setting up an independent booth at CIFTIS for the first time.

"This is the first time Nigeria is participating in CIFTIS. We expect to showcase Nigeria's services sector to the world using the CIFTIS platform. At this time, our expectation is to see that the relationship between Nigeria and China to remain cordial and continue improving," Ibrahim Akopari Ahmed, a trade commissioner from the Nigeria Regional Investment and Trade Office (Asia), told the Global Times on Friday.

"Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa and the services sector is the highest contributor to GDP, accounting for more than 50 percent of our GDP. So, Nigeria has a well-developed services sector, especially in entertainment such as Nollywood [the Nigerian film industry]. In this, we are No.1 in Africa," Ahmed said.

At the booth, several Nigerian companies are showcasing musical instruments and telecommunication services, highlighting the country's growing presence in the tech sector.

"We are trying to showcase to the Chinese business community that we can benefit one another on a win-win situation," said the trade commissioner.

The booth was set up at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, which recently hosted the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"We expect that the FOCAC and the CIFTIS will contribute to enhancing and improving the trading relationship between China and Nigeria and to see that our services sector is also well exposed to Chinese business community," Ahmed said.

"Maybe next time, we will set up a silver screen at our booth [to showcase our cinema industry]," Ahmed said.

On Wednesday, China's General Administration of Customs announced import permit for Nigerian peanuts for processing, further expanding the scope of bilateral trade. Nigeria is China's third-largest trading partner in Africa and one of major investment destinations in Africa. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $22.56 billion, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Australia grapples with a new policy capping the number of international students, the dreams of many international students, including those from China, are hanging in the balance. 

Elly Xing, a high school senior in Perth, is among those feeling the weight of uncertainty as she navigates her final year before university. Once set on pursuing a finance degree at the prestigious University of Melbourne, Elly now finds herself reconsidering her options in light of the recent changes that could reshape the landscape of international education in Australia.

Elly arrived in Perth last August after completing her second year of high school in Beijing. “I thought studying here would give me a chance to gain international knowledge and experience,” she reflects, as her voice is tinged with anxiety. “But now, with the new policy, I feel lost.”

The Australian government’s decision to limit the number of foreign students has sent ripples through the A$48 billion ($32.5 billion) international education sector, which has long been one of the pillars of the country’s economy. The decision, which was announced by Canberra, would limit the number of new enrolments to 270,000 for 2025, which is 53,000 fewer than last year, as Australia aims to ease record migration levels, Australian media outlet ABC reported.

With the cap on international students, Elly’s aspirations are increasingly clouded by doubt. The Group of Eight (Go8) in Australia, which comprises the country’s top-ranked universities, are expected to reduce their intake of foreign students, making the competition fiercer than ever. The University of Melbourne is also included in Go8.

“My parents are also suggesting I consider backup options,” she admits.

Elly is not alone in her predicament. Several other students from China share her concerns, and their carefully laid plans are now in jeopardy. One student said that had they known about the policy changes, they might have chosen to stay in Shanghai and prepare for the national college entrance examinations, also known as gaokao. “It would have been more certain, and I could have had my family’s support,” they lamented. 

A representative from a Sydney-based study abroad agency believes the new policy will primarily affect future applicants rather than those already enrolled in Australian universities. “Current students are unlikely to experience immediate changes, but the overall admissions landscape is expected to shift,” the representative told the Global Times.

The representative predicted that under the new guidelines, Australian educational institutions are expected to transition from an “open-door” policy to a more selective admissions process. Prospective applicants from China, particularly those aiming for popular programs at the prestigious Go8 universities, may face increasing challenges in securing spots, the representative noted.

Harsh opposition

According to media reports, the Australian government’s rationale for the caps centers on addressing the strain on housing and infrastructure caused by record migration levels. However, the Go8 argues that this approach is fundamentally flawed. 

“The government is making a critical mistake,” Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson told the Global Times in an exclusive written reply, calling the decision “draconian, interventionist” and “economic vandalism.” 

This “rushed and poorly framed legislation” will have damaging consequences for the Australian tertiary education sector, economy, skilled workforce and the country’s international reputation, Thomson stated. 

International students, particularly from China, have long been an important presence in Australia’s higher education landscape. They not only contribute significantly to university revenues but also enhance the cultural and intellectual diversity of campuses across the country. According to Australia’s Department of Education, Chinese students ranked first in terms of the number of new international students studying in Australia, with 153,504 new arrivals in January to May, followed by Indian and Nepalese students. 

While noting the government has not explicitly targeted Chinese students with the new caps, the Go8 warns that no doubt that even the prospect of a cap will deter some international students from considering Australia as an option.

“Using international students as a scapegoat to manage a short-term spike in migration is a critical error,” Thomson added. “The prospect of a cap will deter some international students from considering Australia as an option, which is detrimental to our future.”

Spillover impact

The implications of these caps extend beyond the immediate impact on student numbers. The Go8 emphasizes that the funding generated from international student fees is vital for sustaining Australia’s research capabilities. “Go8 universities do the heavy lifting in research, accounting for 70 percent of all university research in Australia,” Thomson explained. “Currently Australia’s university research effort relies on funding from international student fee revenue.”

Also, there is growing apprehension within the Australian education sector regarding whether this cap is a final step in a series of restrictive policies or merely a small part of a larger plan, the Global Times learnt.

Australia’s economy is currently experiencing stagnation, with rising living costs and the looming threat of a recession adding to the pressures faced by local communities. Educators argue that reducing the influx of international students could further hinder economic growth at a time when it is most needed. 

“We oppose measures that diminish economic growth potential during a crisis,” stated an education insider.