China pledges support for overseas students after Trump's Harvard curb

BEIJING: China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its overseas students and scholars, the foreign ministry said on Friday (May 23), responding to the Trump administration's decision to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students.

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The Trump administration canceled Harvards right to host international students starting in 2025.
Current foreign students must transfer or risk losing legal status in the US.
China says the decision damages US credibility and harms beneficial educational ties.

U.S. actions will undoubtedly affect its image and credibility, said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry, during a regular press briefing, adding that educational cooperation between China and the U.S. benefits both parties.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students on Thursday, and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status, while also threatening to expand the crackdown to other colleges.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the department to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification effective for the 2025-2026 school year, the department said in a statement.

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