Freeze on Freedom: The Tightening Grip on China’s International University Campuses

Joint venture universities in China experience a tightening grip as government increases political oversight

Students and faculty at these universities, previously celebrated for their liberal campus environments, have noted restrictions on student organizations, academic courses, and classroom discussions.

Richard Li, who leads a Japanese culture club at a university in China, was taken aside by a faculty supervisor after a club meeting. In a secluded spot, he was informed that all his suggested activities for the club would be rejected. This left him utterly astonished.

"The circumstances our club is dealing with are unprecedented," stated the 21-year-old. "I never imagined this could occur at a Sino-foreign joint university."