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.
