Trump says US needs Chinese students even as his officials block them

Message seems to contradict steps taken by administration like intensive vetting process

- Anemona Hartocollis

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has not been very welcoming towards international students, particularly those from China.

So it was striking when US President Donald Trump declared that the US not only wanted but needed Chinese students, and would let 600,000 of them into American universities.

"It's very insulting to say students can't come here," he said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Aug 26.

"I like that their students come here. I like that other countries' students come here."

He added: "And you know what would happen if they didn't? Our college system would go to hell very quickly."

Mr Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said on Aug 27 that the ministry hoped the US would follow through on Mr Trump's statement welcoming Chinese students and stop the "unprovoked harassment, interrogation and deportation" of Chinese students.

Still, it is a little late to be beckoning international students to enroll.

The autumn semester is beginning at many schools, and the message seemed to contradict steps the administration has taken to make it more difficult for students, including those from China, to enter and study in the US.

Earlier in 2025, for example, the Trump administration promised to put international students through a more intensive vetting process.