China Condemns Harvard University's Foreign Student Ban, Advocates for Depoliticized Educational Cooperation

# Trump Administration Targets Harvard Over International Students, Sparks Reaction from China The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to register international students has elicited a strong response from the Chinese government. China, which has a significant number of nationals studying in the United States, is deeply affected by this move. During a press briefing on the 23rd, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the U.S. action, stating, “Such actions tarnish the United States’ image and international credibility.” Mao assured that China would “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars abroad.” Mao also highlighted that Sino-U.S. educational cooperation is mutually beneficial, reiterating China’s longstanding opposition to politicizing educational exchanges. # Hong Kong Universities Offer Support to Harvard Students While China’s Foreign Ministry did not outline specific protective measures for its students, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has stepped forward to support displaced Harvard students. In a public notice on its website, HKUST invited current international undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Harvard, as well as those admitted to Harvard degree programs, to transfer. The university pledged simplified transfer procedures, academic support, housing, and visa assistance. A dedicated team has been established to facilitate credit transfers and provide logistical aid. Similarly, the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has introduced comparable measures, although it did not directly mention Harvard, according to the Associated Press. # Harvard’s Foreign Student Body and Trump Administration Action According to data from Reuters, Harvard University hosted 6,751 international students from 146 countries during the previous fall semester, making up 27% of the total student body. Chinese students represent the largest group among international enrollees, comprising 20%. The controversy arises from an unprecedented policy change announced by the Trump administration on October 22. The new policy targets Harvard for its alleged failure to adopt anti-antisemitism education policies and its perceived collaborations with the Chinese Communist Party. Under this directive, Harvard has been stripped of its ability to register international students, sparking widespread backlash and concerns over the future of educational cooperation between the two nations.