Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the Trump administration's policies on international students, particularly from China, and how these actions may lead to a talent drain from the U.S. to other countries, including China, which is positioning itself to attract top talent [1][5][23]. Group 1: U.S. Policy Changes - The U.S. government has begun to revoke visas for certain Chinese students, collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to cancel the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for international students to obtain visas [1][3]. - A recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Court deemed Trump's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act illegal, potentially reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 34% to around 12% [3][5]. - Trump's administration has targeted Harvard University, freezing $2.2 billion in research funding and threatening to limit its participation in U.S. research projects, which has led to significant backlash from educational organizations [19][20]. Group 2: Impact on Talent and Research - The policies are expected to diminish trust in the U.S. government and may deter international talent from coming to the U.S., as evidenced by a survey indicating that over 75% of U.S. researchers are considering leaving the country [5][20]. - The U.S. is experiencing a significant reduction in federal funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, with cuts amounting to $23 billion, which could halt many related projects [20][21]. - The article highlights that over half of the billion-dollar startups in the U.S. are founded by immigrants, with a quarter of those founders being international students [7][10]. Group 3: China's Competitive Advantages - China is leveraging its favorable research environment and policies aimed at attracting top-tier talent, including good working conditions and competitive salaries [28][32]. - China's R&D investment is rapidly increasing, projected to exceed 3.6 trillion yuan in 2024, which is double the amount from 2017, and represents 2.6% of its GDP [32][36]. - The country has become a hub for talent, with a total of 7.24 million R&D personnel, the highest in the world, and has surpassed 4 million valid invention patents [38][40]. Group 4: Global Talent Dynamics - The article suggests that the U.S. is losing its status as a talent magnet, with countries like Europe, Japan, and Singapore ready to welcome displaced U.S. students, initiating a new global talent competition [23][25]. - China's strong manufacturing base and complete industrial system provide opportunities for talent to apply their research practically, contrasting with the U.S. focus on theoretical research [41][50]. - The article concludes that the current global landscape favors countries that can attract and retain talent, with China poised to benefit significantly from the U.S.'s restrictive policies [49][52].