Marketplace All-in-One “China’s H-1B” talent visa gets praise abroad and backlash at home
Oct 29, 2025
Jennifer Pak, Marketplace's Shanghai correspondent, discusses China's new K-visa aimed at attracting global STEM graduates for research and businesses. With the U.S. tightening H-1B visas, analysts suggest that America’s loss could benefit China. However, there’s significant backlash within China, especially on social media, where posts from Indian users sparked anger and xenophobic remarks. Additionally, rising youth unemployment raises concerns about job competition, complicating the K-visa's rollout.
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China's K-Visa Against U.S. Tightening
- China introduced a K-visa to attract STEM graduates for research and entrepreneurship.
- The move contrasts with U.S. tightening of H-1B rules and reduced research support, which could shift global talent flows.
India Coverage Fueled Social Backlash
- News of U.S. H-1B fee changes sparked attention in India and reposts on Chinese social media.
- That reposting triggered backlash and xenophobic comments fearing job competition.
Social Media Turned Policy Into Cultural Anxiety
- Social media comments ranged from xenophobic rhetoric to dark humor about brutal job competition.
- Public reaction framed the K-visa as potentially turning job hunting into a brutal contest.