China expressed its displeasure with Australia for deporting Chinese students who had flown into Sydney without reporting that they had completed compulsory military training at Chinese institutions.
Several Chinese students recently had their visas revoked and were returned as they attempted to enter Australia through Sydney, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Wang Wenbin.
According to Wang, Australian border officials deported the students for failing to reveal this history, assuming that mandated military training organised by Chinese institutions was similar to actual military training.
Students at Chinese universities are required to participate in a short period of military training at the start of their first year, often ranging from seven to 24 days, with the goal of fostering patriotism and collectivism in them.
“Australian behaviour is antithetical to people-to-people engagement and win-win cooperation,” Wang remarked.
The Australian Crossing Force, according to a spokesperson, does not comment on particular instances but “may and does cancel visas at the border if a passenger has submitted fraudulent information.”
“We are dedicated to facilitating the admission of lawful visa holders into Australia,” the spokesman continued, “but we will not hesitate to exercise our powers to safeguard Australia’s national interests when necessary.”
