New Delhi, May 23 -- Donald Trump administration's move to ban international students from Harvard had already become a hot topic on Chinese social media, hours after the announcement. The Chinese Foreign Ministry added to the furor, claiming that the US's latest move "will only harm the image and international standing" of the nation.

"The Chinese side has consistently opposed the politicisation of educational cooperation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing. "The relevant action by the US side will only harm the image and international standing of the United States," news agency AP quoted Mao as saying.

Chinese students make up a significant portion of Harvard University's international student body...