BANGKOK – On Friday, the Chinese government criticized the Trump administration’s decision to prohibit international students from attending Harvard, stating it would negatively affect America’s global reputation. Meanwhile, a university in Hong Kong took advantage of the situation by inviting these students.

Students from China represent a significant portion of Harvard University’s international student body. In 2024, the university welcomed a total of 6,703 international students, based on school data, with 1,203 of these students hailing from China.

The announcement made by the Trump administration on Thursday sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media. State broadcaster CCTV questioned whether the United States would continue to be a preferred destination for foreign students, especially since Harvard was already challenging the U.S. government in court.

“But with the long litigation period, thousands of international students may have trouble waiting,” the CCTV commentary said.

It went on to say that it becomes necessary for international students to consider other options “when policy uncertainty becomes the norm.”

Educational cooperation with the U.S. is mutually beneficial and China opposes its politicization, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing in Beijing.

“The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility,” she said.

She added that China would firmly protect the rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars abroad but she didn’t offer any details on how it would do so in this situation.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology extended an open invitation to international students already at Harvard and those who have been admitted. The institution posted a news release saying it would provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition.

Some people in China joked online about having the university open a branch in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, whose name shares the same character as Harvard’s name in Chinese.

The issue of Chinese students studying overseas has long been a point of tension in the relationship with the United States. During Trump’s first term, China’s Ministry of Education warned students about rising rejections rates and shorter terms for visas in the U.S.

Last year, the Chinese foreign ministry protested that a number of Chinese students had been interrogated and sent home upon arrival at U.S. airports.

Chinese state media has long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place. Some Chinese students are opting to study in the U.K. or other countries rather than the U.S.

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Associated Press writer Kanis Leung in Hong Kong contributed.