BANGKOK (AP) - The Chinese government expressed concerns over the Trump administration's recent initiative to ban international students from Harvard University, suggesting that such actions would damage America's international reputation. This move has ignited heated discussions on Chinese social media, as Harvard's international student population includes a significant number of students from China, with 1,203 out of 6,703 international students enrolled in 2024. The Trump administration announced this ban on Thursday, heightening anxieties regarding the future of international students in the U.S.
The situation has prompted reactions from various stakeholders, including state broadcaster CCTV, which raised questions about the United States' status as a favored destination for foreign students. Notably, Harvard is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the U.S. government regarding immigration policies, which has led to uncertainty for prospective international students. CCTV highlighted the prolonged litigation timeline, suggesting that many students might not be able to afford to wait for a resolution.
Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented that educational cooperation with the U.S. is advantageous for both nations and asserted that politicizing this cooperation would be detrimental. She emphasized that U.S. actions could harm its global image and credibility. Although she underscored China's commitment to safeguarding the rights of its students abroad, specific measures to address the current situation were not provided.
In response to this challenging environment, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has extended an open invitation to both current Harvard students and those who have been accepted. The university has announced that it will offer unconditional admission offers, streamlined application processes, and academic support designed to facilitate a smooth transition for international students moving from Harvard to their institution.
Amidst the uncertainty, some Chinese citizens turned to humor on social media, suggesting that the Hong Kong university should establish a branch in Harbin, a city in northeastern China whose name shares the same character with "Harvard" in Mandarin.
The ongoing issue of Chinese students studying overseas has been a recurring point of tension in Sino-American relations. During President Trump's first term, China’s Ministry of Education issued warnings about increasing rejection rates and the shortening of visa durations for Chinese students seeking to study in the U.S. Moreover, last year there were significant protests from the Chinese foreign ministry after reports surfaced of Chinese students facing interrogations and being sent home upon arrival at U.S. airports.
Chinese state media have persistently highlighted incidents of gun violence in the United States, contributing to a narrative that portrays America as a perilous environment. This precarious perception has led some Chinese students to reconsider their educational options, with a growing number choosing to pursue their studies in countries like the United Kingdom and beyond, rather than in the United States.
As this complex situation unfolds, the responses from both sides indicate the significant impact of governmental policies on educational opportunities and international student mobility.
