China speaks out against Australia's treatment of traveling students

The Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Australia have lodged serious concerns over the country's recent repatriation of Chinese students, sources familiar with the matter told China Daily.

Recently, a Chinese student was interrogated at the border entrance of Sydney airport with their cellphone and luggage searched.

After no illegal items were found, Australian law enforcement refused the student's entrance and canceled the student's visa as they accused the student of hiding military training at college.

A month ago, another Chinese student also suffered similar treatment and was repatriated after photos of college military training were found on their phone.

These practices undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students studying in Australia and makes people wonder about possible political motives, sources said.

China Daily is told the Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassy in Australia have urged Australia to stop the interrogation and repatriation of Chinese students and guarantee their lawful rights.

Previously, the Ministry of Education, the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassies and consulates in Australia have issued official warnings cautioning students of possible risks to studying in Australia and suggested them to choose their overseas study destinations with prudence.