US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he supports Chinese and other foreign students studying in the United States, stressing that without them, the country’s higher education system would collapse. His remarks showed a clear change in tone from his earlier stance, when he had threatened to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students” as part of tensions with Beijing.

Colleges Need International Students

Trump argued that American universities would face serious problems if international students were not allowed. He highlighted a proposal to permit about 600,000 student visas as part of ongoing trade negotiations with China. However, the plan has drawn pushback from some of his conservative supporters, who view it as going against his “America First” approach and his earlier strict visa policies.

“I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “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.”

Defending Ties with Beijing

The president also underlined his improving ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We’re getting along very well with China, and I’m getting along very well with President Xi. I think it’s very insulting to say students can’t come here,” he said.

Trump made it clear that he values the presence of foreign students. “I like that their students come here. I like that other countries’ students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn’t? Our college system would go to hell very quickly,” he added.

Trade Tensions Still Simmer

Despite his softer remarks on students, Trump kept pressure on Beijing over trade. Just a day earlier, he had threatened steep tariffs of up to 200 percent if China failed to supply the US with essential magnets. “We have to charge them 200% tariff or something,” he said, referring to disputes over rare earths and supply chains.

Talks with South Korea, Future Visit to China

Trump made these comments while meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington. He also hinted at a possible visit to Beijing. “At some point, probably during this year or shortly thereafter, we’ll go to China,” Trump said. “We’re going to have a great relationship with China.”