US threatens to curb visas for Chinese elite

The US government has said it may close a “courtesy channel” that expedites visas for Chinese VIPs designated by the Chinese foreign ministry to visit the US, the Financial Times reported. According to a statement by an anonymous US official, the new policy is in retaliation to Chinese cancellations of numerous scheduled meetings between outgoing US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman and various provincial officials, and the ongoing crackdown on Chinese political dissidents. Huntsman angered Beijing by appearing in a location that was scheduled for a political demonstration. Huntsman has publicly complained about the Chinese reaction: “Canceling meetings as a sign of displeasure will not encourage greater respect for each others’ views.” In addition to slowing the flow of high-level Chinese businessmen and officials, the closure might also effect family visits by officials to their children studying in the US.