A group of experts on Thursday highlighted the importance of China-U.S. cooperation on education, and urged the two sides to enhance ties in this area.

There are clear consequences to deteriorating quality and reciprocity in China-U.S. educational exchange. Lack of understanding of the differences between both political systems means that policy will be crafted based on outdated information.

Racing for the exit in bilateral exchange programs threatens to take out of circulation the trust and goodwill that have helped both China and the U.S. prosper and keep the peace in one of the most remarkable bilateral relationships in history.

The US has recently begun denying visas to Chinese scholars not just in sensitive high-tech areas, but in the social sciences and liberal arts. These moves not only threaten America’s reputation for open-minded exchange with the outside world—some China experts in the US fear that the FBI’s actions are a warning of even more aggressive and paranoid “decoupling” of US-China relations in the days to come.

The move reflects anxiety and lack of confidence on the part of the U.S.

Now, that door appears to be closing, with the two nations ramping up their strategic rivalry and each regarding academic visitors from the other with greater suspicion — of espionage, commercial theft and political meddling.

The concept of “sharp power” is nothing but another demonizing tool against China.

Tillerson travels to Beijing Sept 28 - Oct 1 in preparation of President Trump's China visit. The U.S.-China Social and Cultural Dialogue will be held in Washington, D.C. on September 28, 2017.