Students' wanton repatriation protested

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

Recently, a Chinese student was interrogated by Australian law enforcement personnel at the border entrance at Sydney Airport, and the student's cellphone and luggage were checked.

After no illegal items were found, the Australian law enforcement personnel refused to allow the student to enter and canceled the student's visa, accusing the student of hiding the experience of military training in college.

A month ago, another Chinese student also faced wanton interrogation and was repatriated after photos of military training in college were found on the student's cellphone.

Australia's practice undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students going to Australia to study and makes people wonder about possible political motives behind the practice, the sources said.

China Daily was told that the Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassy in Australia have urged Australia to immediately stop its wanton interrogation and repatriation of Chinese students and earnestly guarantee their lawful rights.

Previously, the Ministry of Education, the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Australia issued official warnings cautioning students about the possible risks of studying in Australia, and suggested that they carefully choose overseas study destinations.