China on Monday accused the United States of "monitoring, harassing and willfully detaining" Chinese students and researchers in the US Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin's comments follow the denial of a bail request in California for a university researcher accused of lying about her ties to China's military and Communist Party to gain access to the US.

Wang said China had no intention of helping Juan Tang escape the US, but did not otherwise comment directly on the accusations against her. But, he said China urges the US to "handle the case fairly in accordance with the law and ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests" due to Tang.