China Condemns US Visa Restrictions on Harvard International Students, Emphasizing Education Cooperation Must Not Be Politicized

Beijing - Ekhbary News Agency

China Condemns US Visa Restrictions on Harvard International Students, Emphasizing Education Cooperation Must Not Be Politicized

Beijing asserts Washington's actions harm its international image and credibility, vows to protect legitimate rights of overseas Chinese students.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 5 expressed its strong dissatisfaction and severe condemnation of the recent United States decision to implement visa restrictions on international students at Harvard University. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian clearly stated at a regular press conference on that day that educational cooperation between China and the United States is based on principles of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and that China consistently and resolutely opposes the politicization of educational cooperation issues. Lin Jian emphasized that this move by the US would not only fail to contribute to the development of bilateral relations but would also severely damage the international image of the United States and its credibility in the global education sector.

This statement came as a swift response to Washington's announcement of restrictive measures targeting a specific group of international students, prompting widespread concern in the international community regarding the future of educational freedom and academic exchange. Harvard University, as one of the world's top academic institutions, hosts a diverse body of international students comprising talented individuals from across the globe, and the potential impact of these restrictions should not be underestimated. The Chinese Foreign Ministry views this US action as prioritizing domestic political considerations over international educational cooperation, representing a serious interference with academic freedom and talent exchange.

For a long time, China-US educational exchange has been a vital component and a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese students have pursued advanced studies in the United States, not only bringing substantial tuition revenues to American universities but also making outstanding contributions in various fields such as scientific research and cultural exchange. Simultaneously, these exchanges have fostered mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Spokesperson Lin Jian underscored that this mutually beneficial situation should not be undermined by narrow political prejudices. The Chinese government consistently believes that educational cooperation should transcend geopolitical barriers and serve as a bridge to promote common development and human progress.

The US's current visa restrictions targeting Harvard international students are widely interpreted as an extension of Washington's concerns in the areas of technological competition and national security. However, using the education sector as a tool for pressure may not only be counterproductive but could also lead to the United States losing its advantage in the global competition for talent. The ability of world-leading academic institutions to attract international students largely depends on their open and inclusive academic environment and fair and just policies. Once this environment is eroded by political factors, its attractiveness will be significantly diminished, which in the long run will harm America's innovation capabilities and global leadership.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement is not merely a direct rebuttal of US policy but also a clear signal to the international community: China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens abroad. This includes, but is not limited to, providing legal assistance, diplomatic protection, and exploring alternative avenues for educational and scientific research cooperation. Beijing has repeatedly called on the United States to cease generalizing the concept of national security, stop unwarranted suppression and discrimination against Chinese students and scholars, and create a favorable atmosphere for normal people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

This incident once again highlights the challenges faced by educational and people-to-people exchanges in China-US relations. In the current complex and volatile international landscape, how both sides can maintain competition while preserving and expanding areas of cooperation that contribute to the prosperity and stability of both countries and the world, is a major issue confronting policymakers in both nations. Education, as a crucial cornerstone for building a community with a shared future for humanity, cannot be overstated in its importance. Any attempt to politicize it will be an act of undermining this foundation.

In the future, the models of international educational cooperation may undergo profound changes as a result of this incident. Countries may pay greater attention to diversified educational cooperation channels, reducing over-reliance on a single country to mitigate potential political risks. For Chinese students, this also prompts them to carefully assess the policy stability of study destinations and may encourage more to choose high-quality educational resources in other regions such as Europe and Asia. The Chinese government's firm stance on this issue will undoubtedly provide strong backing for overseas Chinese students and scholars, ensuring that their academic pursuits and personal development are not affected by unfair treatment.

Ekhbary News Agency