SCMP Roundup: US University Visa Probes, Missing Airmen, and AI Spy Fears in US-China Relations
In early October 2026, the South China Morning Post featured a compilation of seven stories concerning US-China relations from its international reporters. The Trump administration initiated an inquiry into nine American universities regarding suspected J-1 visa fraud, targeting Chinese scholars and the Chinese government. Additionally, renewed interest in the search for missing US airmen in China emerged after a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The remains of US fighter pilot Morton Sher had remained unaccounted for in China for over eighty years; they were interred in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, in December 2025. This incident was highlighted as an example of the potential benefits of US-China collaboration for families of missing servicemen. The roundup also touched on topics like blast simulation, a robotics fine, and concerns about OpenAI spying.
Key facts
- The SCMP published a roundup of seven US-China relations reads in the first half of October 2026.
- The Trump administration investigated nine US universities over alleged J-1 visa fraud.
- Officials raised concerns about Chinese scholars and the Chinese government in the visa fraud probe.
- The search for missing US airmen in China gained new attention after a Xi-Trump summit.
- US fighter pilot Morton Sher's remains were unrecovered in China for over eight decades.
- Morton Sher was buried in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, in December 2025.
- The case was highlighted as an example of US-China cooperation for families of missing servicemen.
- The roundup also mentioned blast simulation, a robotics fine, and OpenAI spy fears.
Entities
Artists
- Morton Sher
- Xi Jinping
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- South China Morning Post
- OpenAI
- US Air Force
- Trump administration
Locations
- China
- United States
- Greenville
- South Carolina