The Trump administration's push to end Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students is partly because of "coordinated activity" with the Chinese Communist Party.

Before a judge temporarily blocked Trump’s ban on Harvard enrolling foreign students, China warned that the move would “damage” America’s image.

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.

China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its overseas students and scholars, the foreign ministry said on Friday, responding to the Trump administration's decision to block Harvard University from enrolling foreign students.

College officials fear that President Trump may use international enrollment as leverage to demand changes on campuses elsewhere.

Harvard sued the Trump administration on Friday, saying the government's action violates the First Amendment and will have an "immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders." The lawsuit is separate from another filed in April challenging more than $2 billion in federal cuts imposed by the Trump administration.

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

South Africa's Sibanye Stillwater said on Friday that rescue efforts were underway for 289 mine workers trapped underground at its Kloof gold mine near Johannesburg.