The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. government's recent move to revoke Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) Program certification, effectively barring the prestigious school from enrolling international students.

At a regular press briefing on Friday, spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the decision, reiterating China's firm opposition to the politicization of educational exchanges. She warned that such actions would damage the United States' global image and credibility.

"Education cooperation between China and the U.S. has been mutually beneficial," Mao stated. "China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its students and scholars abroad."

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday banned Harvard University from enrolling international students, and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status, while also threatening to expand the crackdown to other colleges.