China criticizes US ban on Harvard's international students
Share this @internewscast.com

BANGKOK (AP) — On Friday, China’s government criticized the Trump administration’s decision to prohibit international students from Harvard, stating it would damage America’s global reputation. This has left students and parents worldwide worried about future implications.

Chinese and Indian students form significant portions of Harvard’s international student body. In 2024, Harvard had a total enrollment of 6,703 international students, according to its records, with 1,203 Chinese and 788 Indian students.

This decision by the Trump administration, announced on Thursday, sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media. State broadcaster CCTV raised concerns about whether the U.S. would continue to be a preferred destination for foreign students, especially as Harvard is currently engaged in a legal battle with the U.S. government.

“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.

Indian authorities say they currently assessing the impact of the U.S. order on Indian students who are already enrolled with Harvard, as well as those aspiring to study there in future, but have not issued any statements of criticism.

Chinese students in U.S. previous point of tension

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.

Meanwhile, two universities in Hong Kong extended invites to affected students. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said it would welcome international students already at Harvard and those who have been admitted in a statement Friday. City University in Hong Kong did as well without mentioning Harvard by name.

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.

Wait and see

Mumbai-based higher education and career advisory firm, ReachIvy, is receiving anxious queries from aspirants and their parents about the impact of Trump administration’s latest move.

The company’s founder, Vibha Kagzi, herself an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, said they were advising students to keep calm, and wait to see how the situation unfolds as legal challenges were underway.

“Harvard will surely fight back,” she said, adding that the situation remains fluid.

Kagzi, while recalling her days from 2010 at Harvard, said the U.S. was then welcoming international students and its immigration policies supported educational aspirants.

“Indian students should stay hopeful. Universities value global talent and are exploring all options to ensure continuity in admission and learning,” she said.

___

Associated Press writer Kanis Leung in Hong Kong and AP researcher Shihuan Chen contributed. Roy reported from New Delhi.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Waldorf-Astoria brings back NYC’s 'grand hotel' style

Waldorf-Astoria Revives the Iconic ‘Grand Hotel’ Atmosphere in NYC

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s September reopening, five years later than first planned, will…
California professor arrested, accused of throwing tear gas canister at federal agents during marijuana farm

California Professor Charged with Throwing Tear Gas at Federal Agents at Cannabis Farm

A professor from California has been taken into custody for reportedly throwing…

Dan Rivera, Caretaker of the Notorious ‘Annabelle Doll,’ Dies Unexpectedly at 54 During Tour

A PARANORMAL investigator has tragically passed away while traveling across the United…
‘Most Haunted Places’ Investigator Dan Rivera Dies At 54 While Touring With Infamously Haunted Annabelle Doll

Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera Dies at 54 During Tour with Notorious Annabelle Doll

Dan Rivera, A paranormal investigator who was on tour with the infamously…
NJ flash flooding kills at least 2 after surging waters sweep up vehicle

At Least 2 Dead in NJ After Flash Flooding Sweeps Away Vehicle

At least two individuals lost their lives in New Jersey when flash…
Vance Boelter: Federal grand jury indicts man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Vance Boelter Faces Federal Indictment for Alleged Murder of Ex-Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal grand jury has charged a man in connection…
How Secret Service combats rising threat of political violence after Minnesota lawmakers shot, Donald Trump assassination attempt

How the Secret Service Tackles Increasing Political Violence Following Minnesota Legislators’ Shooting and Trump Assassination Plot

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday marked the anniversary of an assassination attempt on…
First-round leader picks at Royal Portrush

Top Selections for Initial Round Leaders at Royal Portrush

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
California pastor John MacArthur hospitalized with life-threatening illness as church community rallies

Renowned Evangelical Pastor and Theologian, John MacArthur, Passes Away at 86 Following Health Struggles

John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, died…
Woman with red hair on a balcony, enjoying a coffee break during her time teaching English in Vietnam.

UK Traveler Faces Court for Alleged E-Scooter Incident Resulting in Father’s Death After Six-Hour Pub Outing, Faces 20-Year Sentence

A British backpacker has been brought to court over allegations of fatally…
Five Iranians nabbed at US northern border as terror fears grip small towns

Five Iranian individuals apprehended at the northern border of the US, sparking terror concerns in small towns.

A spokesman for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on Tuesday that…
California tax expert admits role in illegal alien's multimillion-dollar fraud scheme

California Tax Specialist Confesses Involvement in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud with Undocumented Immigrants

In California, a tax preparer confessed on Monday to assisting an illegal…