‘Hurt its own global image’: China says Trump’s ban on Harvard’s international students will reduce its international appeal

The case has also gained attention on Chinese social media, where many expressed concern over how this would affect future opportunities for Chinese students in the US.

China on Friday criticized the Trump administration’s move to block international students from enrolling at Harvard University, saying it would damage the United States’ reputation around the world.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the decision would create uncertainty for students and families. “This move by the US government will hurt its own global image and reduce its appeal to international talent,” the spokesperson told reporters in Beijing, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The US decision, announced Thursday, has sparked concern among students and parents in China, who are unsure about what will happen next. Chinese state media highlighted the issue, with state broadcaster CCTV asking if the United States can still be seen as a reliable destination for higher education.

According to Harvard’s data, the university enrolled 6,703 international students in 2024. Of those, 1,203 were from China and 788 from India. Chinese and Indian students make up two of the largest international groups at the school.

Harvard has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Boston, calling the government’s action a violation of the US Constitution. The university said the move could remove more than 7,000 international students from its campuses

In the lawsuit, Harvard stated: “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body.”

The case has also gained attention on Chinese social media, where many expressed concern over how this would affect future opportunities for Chinese students in the US.