This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the US. Photo: Xinhua

　　The US Justice Department has reportedly opened a review into Harvard University"s China-based financial aid programs, examining whether financial aid funded by Chinese donors discriminates against US students. A Chinese expert said the investigation reflects growing scrutiny of China-related academic cooperation in the US and warned that politicizing education could create a chilling effect on bilateral academic cooperation and undermine confidence in bilateral exchanges.

　　US Justice Department officials announced the new review on Monday, claiming Harvard"s foreign funding disclosures "raised concerns" about possible discrimination against US students. The investigation is aimed at Harvard"s "China-based financial aid programs," the Justice Department said, according to a report from the Associated Press (AP).

　　The agency claimed Chinese donors have given money to Harvard to support financial aid programs limited to students from certain countries. That restriction could amount to illegal discrimination based on country of origin, the department said. The agency did not specify which scholarship programs are being targeted and emphasized it "has not reached any conclusions," per AP.

　　As of press time on Tuesday, the university had not responded to a request for comment from the Global Times. However, the AP cited a written statement from Harvard saying that Harvard "does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid."