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From Tiananmen Square to Overseas: How Does CSSA Make an Influence in the Global Chinese Community?
As the Chinese government began to send students around the world in the late 1970s, the Overseas Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) came into being and became the main organization for international students and scholars overseas. The organization claims that its purpose is to assist overseas Chinese with problems in life, study and other aspects, and to actively promote Chinese culture. However, the operation of CSSA has caused a lot of controversy, and the political purpose behind it and its connection with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are of concern.
As an official organization, CSSA provides social services and activities, but it has also been questioned as a tool to monitor Chinese students.
Background and growth of CSSA
The CSSA was slightly adjusted after the Tiananmen Incident in 1989. At that time, more than 200 CSSA representatives from all over the United States gathered in Chicago and established the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars (IFCSS). This incident marks that CSSA is not just a social platform, but has become a window for Chinese students to speak out, especially on political issues.
CSSA strives to be a bridge between Chinese students and local society, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
Organizational control and funding sources
According to the 2018 report, the reason why CSSA can operate is that the source of funds and guidance behind it mainly come from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad. These organizations are often under the control of the Chinese Communist Party and receive funding and guidance from embassies and consulates to varying degrees. This has resulted in CSSA being considered part of the Chinese government’s overseas efforts in many cases.
CSSA’s influence and controversy
CSSA has attracted the attention of international human rights organizations for its surveillance of Chinese students discussing sensitive issues. For example, in many countries, including Canada, Germany and other places, CSSA branches have been accused of trying to control the speech and behavior of Chinese students. This control even extends to school lectures and meetings, suppressing discussions that are unfavorable to the CCP.
The existence of CSSA not only affects students’ free speech, but also raises questions about academic freedom.
Reaction of the international community
As CSSA's actions gradually attracted public attention, many governments and institutions began to investigate it and called for strengthening supervision of its activities. Particularly among C9 higher education institutions, CSSA’s actions have been accused of being a threat to academic freedom and the defense of the Chinese Communist Party’s front has been discussed.
Conclusion and future prospects
With the changes in the global political climate, CSSA's role and influence overseas are controversial. In the context of heightened tensions between China and the West, it remains to be seen whether these organizations can continue to maintain their original functions or whether they can only become extensions of the Chinese government. Whether international students can truly express their voices in an uncontrolled environment has become a key issue today.
