Odd Lots Zichen Wang's Exit Interview From America
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Jun 20, 2025 
Zichen Wang, a writer for the Pekingnology newsletter and former research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, reflects on his recent return to China after studying at Princeton. He discusses the complexities of U.S.-China relations amid rising tensions and offers insights into the experiences of Chinese students in America. The conversation also explores the diverging paths of public policy education, the impact of state influence on private entrepreneurship in China, and the role of soft power in shaping global perceptions of the U.S.
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Wang's Princeton Decision
- Zichen Wang came to the US for a fully funded master's at Princeton focusing on public policy.
- He chose Princeton over UK and Singapore offers due to its support and relevance in US-China relations.
Visa Crackdowns Impact Chinese Students
- US visa restrictions for Chinese students have increased, causing stress and uncertainty.
- There remain about 270,000 Chinese students in the US, second only to India in number.
Historical Roots of Student Exchange
- US-China educational ties date back over a century with China benefiting from US scholarships early on.
- This long history makes current Chinese student restrictions and reduced exchanges especially unfortunate.
