President Donald Trump said Monday that the U.S. would allow 600,000 Chinese students to study at American colleges, framing the move as part of broader trade discussions with Beijing.
“I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students,” Trump told reporters. “We’re going to allow their students to come in. It’s very important, 600,000 students. It’s very important. But we’re going to get along with China.”
Context: Trade Tensions
The announcement comes amid high-stakes U.S.-China trade negotiations. Earlier this year, the administration imposed a 145% tariff on all Chinese goods, leading Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff on U.S. exports.
Both sides agreed in May at talks in Geneva to pause additional levies, but Trump has continued to float further measures, including a possible 200% tariff on Chinese-made magnets.
Shifting Visa Policy
The president’s remarks mark a shift from earlier administration statements.
In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced plans to “aggressively revoke” visas for certain Chinese nationals, especially those linked to the Communist Party or sensitive research areas.
Trump, however, has recently emphasized his support for Chinese students, saying in June that he has “always been in favor” of welcoming them to U.S. campuses.
Current Numbers and Expansion
At present, around 270,000 Chinese students are enrolled at American universities.
Trump’s new proposal would more than double that number, representing the largest admission of foreign students from a single country in U.S. history.
Broader Diplomatic Outlook
Trump’s remarks came ahead of a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Asked about a possible summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said he was open to it this year.
“As you know, we’re taking a lot of money in from China because of the tariffs and the different things. It’s a very important relationship,” he said. “It’s a much better relationship economically than it was before with Biden. But he allowed that. They just took him to the cleaners.”
Every single one of those students will be a spy. With results oriented payback. In secrets, intellectual property, etc. Anything the CCP can use to rip off every patent created.