Harvard’s China Ties Under Scrutiny as US Targets Student Visas

Relationship between university and Beijing has elicited concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence

A graduate wears a gown featuring the Chinese Communist Party flag and holds a globe beachball during Harvard University's 374th Commencement in Cambridge, Mass., on May 29, 2025. As the Trump administration moves to curb Harvard's international admissions, the university's close ties with the Chinese regime comes into focus. Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Following the Trump administration’s recent action to curb Harvard University’s international admissions and vet Chinese nationals studying in the United States for ties to the communist party, the Ivy League school’s extensive involvement with Beijing has come to the fore.

The oldest and wealthiest U.S. university is under increasing scrutiny for its controversial research collaboration with China, its role in educating Chinese regime officials, and providing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with a platform to spread its propaganda narratives and marginalize dissenting voices on U.S. soil.