As the US political environment is swinging toward more restrictions, Chinese students are being warned of "the risks" of studying in the US.

China's Ministry of Education earlier this month warned Chinese students and scholars of the risks of going to study in the US, and urged them to step up risk assessment.

"The various restrictions imposed by the US government will definitely hurt China now, but from a long-term standpoint, it's going to cause even more damage to the US, especially in its high-tech sector," said Patrick, a Chinese who works at a startup company that researches and manufactures medical equipment.

"It would prevent more global talent from studying and working in the US. China will have to rely on itself for high-tech development, which is good for the country in the long run," said Patrick, who preferred to be identified by first name only. He obtained his PhD in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2016.

Ling said, "I think every student would like to work in the US after graduation, at least for some years to gain experience. But since we are foreigners and have no voice in the US, we can do nothing about it."

He said he had heard that it's become harder for Chinese employees to get involved in key technology development in big companies in Silicon Valley due to pressure from the government.

"The situation is not what we would like to see, but after all, it's not bad to return to China. I think there are more opportunities in China, particularly in the chip industry," he said.

Liu Yinmeng in Los Angeles, Pan Mengqi in Beijing and Heng Weili in New York contributed to this story.