At a Thursday press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the Trump administration's decision to suspend visas for international students bound for Harvard University for six months. Lin said the policy only harms the United States' international credibility.
Lin emphasized that educational cooperation between China and the United States is mutually beneficial and added that China has long opposed the politicization of academic exchanges.
The U.S. move, announced June 4, halts entry into the country for foreign nationals seeking to study at or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. Critics warn this step could disrupt academic plans and weaken long-standing ties between leading universities on both sides.
Lin reaffirmed that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas, signaling that Beijing may take diplomatic steps if the policy remains in place.
Reference(s):
MOFA: Halting visas for intl students seeking Harvard only hurts U.S.
cgtn.com
