Depending on how they handle it, they could end up blacklisted by all Chinese students - which is likely a whole lot more than 200 students.
That it could also (in an extreme case) cause many employers with Chinese ties to avoid alumni with Perdue ties to avoid backlash from China is an outcome they can’t ignore either.
CCP is not known for rational, reasoned responses in situations like this.
Oh no, Americans would have more spots at an America university. Or students from another nation could take the opportunity. I don't see why we have to specifically import Chinese nationals for those 200 seats when there are plenty of qualified candidates both domestically and abroad.
Unfortunately, most of those responses are very rational and reasoned. The regime has decided that intimidation is a useful tool for defending its narratives, and uses it in many contexts.
That global campaigne makes an even handed response for Purdue important, both for this context, and helping set an example for wider contexts.
We need to maintain/develop a strong and even handed culture - standing up for everyone's right of expression without harassment.
You have a good point. As hard as it is to admit, ‘overbearing insane seeming overreaction’ is a useful and rational reputation to have in certain circumstances.
It definitely cuts down on the number of sane people being willing to be seen doing whatever it is that typically causes that response.
