Saturday, May 24, 2025 - China has sharply criticised the Trump administration’s decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, asserting that the move will tarnish America’s global reputation and disrupt the educational aspirations of thousands of students.
On May 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked
Harvard’s ability to admit foreign students, citing unverified allegations of
the university’s coordination with the Chinese Communist Party and failure to
address antisemitism on campus. The administration demanded that Harvard comply
with federal requests within 72 hours or face continued suspension from the
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) .
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning
stated that the U.S. actions would “only damage its image and international
credibility,” emphasising that educational cooperation between China and the
U.S. is mutually beneficial and should not be politicised.
Harvard, which enrolled 6,703 international students in
2024—including 1,203 from China and 788 from India—has filed a lawsuit against
the Trump administration, calling the action unconstitutional and retaliatory.
A federal judge has since issued a temporary restraining order halting the
enforcement of the ban
The ban has caused significant anxiety among international
students, particularly those from China, who now face potential deportation or
the need to transfer to other institutions. Many students are urgently seeking
legal advice, postponing travel plans, and reevaluating their educational
futures
In a show of support, the Hong Kong University of Science
and Technology announced it would welcome current and admitted Harvard
international students into its programs, offering streamlined admission
procedures and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition.
The incident underscores the growing tensions between the
U.S. and China, particularly in the realm of academic exchange and
international education. Experts warn that such actions could have long-lasting
effects on the U.S.’s reputation for academic freedom and its ability to
attract global talent.
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