China has strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, warning that the move damages the United States’ global standing and disrupts the academic futures of thousands.
On May 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s ability to admit foreign students, citing unproven claims of ties to the Chinese Communist Party and failure to address antisemitism on campus. The university was given 72 hours to comply with federal demands or face continued suspension from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded sharply, stating the U.S. action would “only damage its image and international credibility,” and urged that educational ties between the two countries not be politicized.
Harvard, which hosted over 6,700 international students in 2024—including 1,203 from China—has filed a lawsuit, calling the move unconstitutional and retaliatory. A federal judge has since issued a temporary restraining order to halt the enforcement of the ban.
The decision has sparked confusion and concern among international students, especially those from China, who now face possible deportation or abrupt school transfers. Many are seeking legal guidance and reassessing their academic plans.
In solidarity, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has offered to admit affected Harvard students, providing fast-track admissions and academic support.
The controversy adds to rising U.S.-China tensions, with experts warning that the crackdown on academic exchanges may harm the U.S.’s reputation for higher education and weaken its appeal to global talent.