The Chinese government said on Friday that the Trump administration's transfer to the ban on international students from Harvard University will harm America's international position, as anxious students and parents abroad are concerned about what will happen after that.
Among the two largest parts of the international student community at Harvard University, Chinese and Indian students. The university enrolled 6,703 international students in all its schools in 2024, according to school data, with 1,203 from China and 788 from India.
The Trump administration's move, which it announced on Thursday, was a hot topic on Chinese social media. State announcer CCTV wondered whether the United States would remain a great destination for foreign students, noting that Harvard University was already sue the United States government in court.
“But with the long litigation period, thousands of international students may face a waiting problem,” said CCTV.
He went on to say that it is necessary for international students to consider other options “when the uncertainty in politics becomes the rule.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said at a press conference in Beijing that educational cooperation with the United States is mutually beneficial, and China opposes its politicization.
She said: “The relevant measures on the part of the American side will only harm its image and international credibility.”
She added that China will firmly protect the rights and interests of Chinese students and scientists abroad, but it has not provided any details about how to do this in this situation.
Indian authorities say they are currently establishing the impact of the American system on Indian students who have already been registered at Harvard University, as well as those who aspire to study there in the future, but they have not released any data on criticism.
Chinese students in the previous United States of tension
The issue of Chinese students who study abroad has always been a tension point in the relationship with the United States. During the first period of Trump, the China Ministry of Education warned students against high rejection rates and shorter conditions for visas in the United States
Last year, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested the interrogation of a number of Chinese students and sent them home upon arrival at American airports.
Chinese government media has long played armed violence in the United States and filmed America as a dangerous place. Some Chinese students choose to study in the United Kingdom or other countries instead of the United States
Meanwhile, two universities are invited in Hong Kong extending to the affected students. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said it will actually welcome international students at Harvard University and those who were accepted in a statement on Friday. City University in Hong Kong also did without Harvard's mention of the name.
Some people in China joked on the Internet about opening the university a branch in the northeastern city of Harbin, whose name is the same character as Harvard in Chinese.
Wait and see
Reachivy in Mumbai, Reachivey, receives anxious inquiries from aspiring and their parents about the effect of the recent Trump administration step.
The founder of the company, Fibha Kagzi, said herself graduates of Harvard Business College, that they advise students to calm down and wait to find out how the situation is revealed with legal challenges.
“Harvard will definitely resist,” she said, adding that the situation is still liquid.
Kagzi, while remembering her days from 2010 at Harvard University, said that the United States welcomed international students and supported educational migration policies.
“Indian students should remain optimistic. Universities appreciate international talents and explore all options to ensure continuity in acceptance and learning.”
