The Chinese Foreign Ministry has slammed the U.S. government's decision to revoke Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) Program certification, effectively barring the Ivy League school from enrolling new international students. Spokesperson Mao Ning warned at a Friday press briefing that politicizing educational exchanges could harm America’s global image and damage the long-standing cooperation between the two nations.
“Education cooperation between China and the U.S. has been mutually beneficial,” Mao said, vowing that China will “resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its students and scholars abroad.”
The Trump administration’s ban forces currently enrolled international students to transfer to other institutions or face the loss of their legal status in the U.S. Officials have also threatened to expand the crackdown to other colleges, a move that could reshape the landscape of global higher education.
For many young scholars worldwide, Harvard’s reputation as a hub for talent and innovation means this decision could send ripple effects far beyond campus gates. Critics argue that restricting cross-border student mobility may stall research partnerships and weaken the international exchange of ideas.
As universities adjust to shifting policies, students and educators alike are watching closely to see how Washington’s stance will affect transnational education and ties between the U.S. and the Chinese mainland.
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China slams U.S. ban on Harvard enrolling international students
cgtn.com
