Harvard Graduate's Commencement Speech Calls for Unity Amid Rising U.S.-China Tensions
CAMBRDIGE, MA — May 30, 2025 At Harvard University's 2025 commencement, Chinese graduate Yurong "Luanna" Jiang delivered a poignant speech emphasizing shared humanity amid escalating U.S.-China tensions and domestic political pressures. Earning a master's in public administration in international development, Jiang urged for moral imagination and unity over division, resonating with many during a time of heightened scrutiny on international students.
Her address came as the Trump administration intensified actions against Chinese students, citing national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas for students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or involved in sensitive fields, and to implement stricter vetting processes, including social media reviews. These measures have raised alarms about potential discrimination and the impact on academic freedom.
Harvard itself has faced significant challenges, including the revocation of its authority to enroll international students and the freezing of over $2 billion in federal research funding. The university has legally contested these actions, emphasizing their commitment to academic freedom and diversity.
Jiang's speech highlighted the dilemmas faced by international students, many of whom are reconsidering their academic and professional futures in the U.S. Her call for empathy and global cooperation stood in stark contrast to the prevailing political climate, earning her a standing ovation and symbolizing the resilience of the international academic community