The Trump administration is targeting Harvard University’s China ties in what may be the opening shot in a wider administration effort to compel U.S. schools to sever their relations with Chinese entities — or else.

For students around the world, an acceptance letter to Harvard University has represented the pinnacle of achievement.

As Trump moves to ban foreign students from enrolling at Harvard, at least one university in China says applicants are welcome to come there instead.

Fear and confusion mounted quickly on Thursday as international students, who make up more than a quarter of the university’s enrollment, sought clarity or reassurance.

The Chinese government said Friday that the Trump administration’s move to ban international students from Harvard would harm America’s international standing, as anxious students and parents overseas fretted over what would come next.

As the US government continues its crackdown on Harvard University, allegations of links to China and Iran have led to a probe by a joint House committee. The premier university is being investigated by the House Select Committee on China as well as the House Committee on Education and Workforce for its alleged links to groups affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party and research groups being aided by Iran.

Beyond the shock for students, President Trump’s moves against higher education are being seen in China as a blow to one of the last admirable American institutions.