China on Thursday condemned the US government’s vow to revoke visas for Chinese students, describing President Donald Trump’s latest crackdown on international scholars as “political and discriminatory.”
Beijing’s response followed a statement from the Trump administration on Wednesday pledging to “aggressively” cancel visas for Chinese students—one of the largest sources of revenue for US universities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced plans to revise visa criteria, imposing tighter checks on all future applications from China and Hong Kong. Rubio cited national security concerns and alleged links between students and the Chinese Communist Party as justification.
In a sharp response, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the US of “unreasonably” cancelling student visas and said Beijing had formally protested the decision. She urged Washington to “safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of international students, including those from China.”
During the 2023–24 academic year, 277,398 Chinese students were enrolled at US institutions. Although India overtook China in student numbers for the first time in years, Chinese students still represent a significant share of international enrollments.
The crackdown comes amid broader tensions between Trump and elite US institutions. Harvard University, in particular, has drawn the president’s ire for resisting federal pressure over student protests and for rejecting calls to alter its admissions and hiring practices. The administration also attempted to bar Harvard from hosting foreign students—a move temporarily halted by a judge pending further hearings.
Wider Fallout and Uncertainty
The visa freeze is already affecting students worldwide. A student from Taiwan preparing for doctoral studies in California described feeling “uncertain” and said all they could do was “wait and hope for the best.” Critics warn the policy may inadvertently harm students from US-friendly nations and discourage international talent from choosing the United States.
Rubio has also reportedly revoked thousands of visas, particularly targeting students who were critical of US policies or associated with activism related to Israel.
A diplomatic cable signed by Rubio on Tuesday instructed US embassies and consulates to pause new visa appointments for students and exchange visitors until additional social media screening guidelines are in place.
Harvard Pushback and Student Reactions
Harvard’s legal battle against the administration continues. The university argues that the moves are unconstitutional and harm academic freedom. Many students fear that the escalating political pressure will undermine the global reputation of US higher education.
“I don’t know if I’d pursue a PhD here. Six years is a long time,” said Jack, a British student of the history of medicine graduating this week, reflecting the growing uncertainty among foreign students.
In a further blow, the White House has moved to strip federal research funding from elite universities including Harvard. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, claiming funds would be redirected to institutions that “promote American values” and focus on workforce skills.
What you should know
Trump’s crackdown on Chinese and other international students is part of a broader campaign against elite academic institutions.
Beijing has strongly opposed the moves, while students and universities brace for escalating uncertainty and legal challenges.
