China sharply criticized the latest move by the Trump Administration to begin revoking U.S. visas issued to Chinese students with connections to the ruling communist party or who study in critical fields.

It followed the State Department pausing all student visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide while it reviews its vetting processes.

“The U.S.’ unreasonable decision to revoke the visas of Chinese students under the pretext of ideology and national security seriously harms the lawful rights and interests of Chinese students and disrupts people-to-people exchanges between us,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Thursday.

“China firmly rejects this and has lodged protests with the U.S. side.

“Such a politicized and discriminatory move lays bare the U.S. lie that it upholds so-called freedom and openness and will only further undermine its image in the world and national reputation.”

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his department would work with the Department of Homeland Security “to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.”

“We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong,” his statement added.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.