Trump shifts tone on Chinese student visas amid ongoing trade talks
Trump Announces 600,000 Chinese Students Allowed to Study in U.S. Amid Trade Talks
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Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Monday, stating that 600,000 Chinese students will be permitted to study at colleges in the United States. This announcement comes amidst ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and China.
During a press briefing at the White House, the president’s statement suggests a potential improvement in U.S.-China relations following the imposition of tariffs and restrictions on Chinese students.
“I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students,” Trump informed 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,” he added.
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President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump’s offer regarding student visas coincides with the ongoing trade discussions with the Chinese government.
Earlier this year, the administration enforced a 145% tariff on all Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing with a 125% tariff on U.S. exports.
Although negotiators in Geneva reached a temporary agreement in May to halt additional levies, Trump has consistently warned about the possibility of further penalties.
Last week, he proposed a 200% tariff on Chinese-made magnets, citing China’s dominant position in the global market.
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President Donald Trump, left, and Xi Jinping, China’s president, shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I don’t think we’re going to have a problem with that,” Trump remarked. “China, intelligently, went and they sort of took a monopoly on the world’s magnets. It’ll probably take us a year to have them.”
Currently, approximately 270,000 Chinese students are enrolled in U.S. universities.
In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed intentions to “aggressively revoke” visas for Chinese nationals, especially those associated with the Communist Party or sensitive research areas.
Trump has since adjusted his stance, stating in June that he has always supported welcoming students from China.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP)
Trump’s comments regarding admitting Chinese students were made prior to a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
When asked about a potential summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump expressed optimism, stating his desire to meet him later this year.
“As you know, we’re taking in a lot of money from China because of the tariffs and various reasons. It’s a crucial relationship,” Trump emphasized. “Economically, it’s much stronger than it was under Biden. But he allowed that. They just took him to the cleaners.”
