House Republicans are demanding six major American universities reveal detailed information about Chinese nationals in STEM programs, citing “Trojan horse” national security concerns and potential technology theft.
Quick Takes
- The House Select Committee on the CCP is investigating Chinese students at Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and USC
- Chairman John Moolenaar claims the Chinese Communist Party has a “systematic pipeline” to embed researchers in U.S. institutions for access to sensitive technologies
- Universities face scrutiny over potential financial dependence on Chinese student tuition at the expense of national security
- China has demanded the U.S. protect Chinese students’ rights amid the congressional investigation
- Several universities have recently severed ties with Chinese institutions due to security concerns
Congressional Committee Demands Transparency from Universities
Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has launched an investigation into the presence of Chinese nationals in U.S. university STEM programs. Letters sent to the presidents of six major research universities – Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and University of Southern California – request detailed information about Chinese students involved in federally funded research. The comprehensive 20-question inquiry seeks data on enrollment statistics, research activities, funding sources, and participation in sensitive technological areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
“The Chinese Communist Party has established a well-documented, systematic pipeline to embed researchers in leading U.S. institutions, providing them direct exposure to sensitive technologies with dual-use military applications,” Chairman Moolenaar wrote.
The investigation highlights growing concerns among intelligence officials that American campuses have become vulnerable to espionage and intellectual property theft. Committee members worry that universities may be prioritizing financial gains from international student tuition over potential national security risks. The letters specifically request information about collaboration between U.S. faculty and China-based institutions, as well as details about protective measures universities have implemented against potential economic and security vulnerabilities.
China Responds to Congressional Investigation
Beijing has responded forcefully to the congressional inquiry, demanding protections for Chinese students in the United States. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Chinese students make positive contributions to “the economic prosperity and technological development of the U.S.” and urged American authorities to avoid discriminatory measures. The diplomatic response underscores the international tensions created by the investigation, which comes amid already strained U.S.-China relations over technology transfers and cybersecurity.
Chinese students represent a significant source of funding for many American universities, often paying full tuition rates. However, congressional investigators are concerned about what happens after graduation, requesting data on the percentage of Chinese nationals who remain in the United States versus those who return to China, potentially taking sensitive knowledge and technology with them. This concern is amplified by recent incidents that have raised red flags about Chinese activities at American academic institutions.
Universities Severing Ties with Chinese Institutions
The investigation comes as several prominent American universities have begun cutting ties with Chinese academic partners due to security concerns. The University of Michigan recently ended its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University after five Chinese students were charged with suspicious activities near a military site. Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley have likewise terminated relationships with Chinese institutions. These actions reflect growing awareness of potential risks associated with international academic collaboration in sensitive technological fields.
Congressional efforts to address these concerns extend beyond the current investigation. A Republican lawmaker recently introduced legislation to ban Chinese students from studying in U.S. schools altogether. Additionally, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act aims to limit funding to academic institutions with ties to Chinese entities. These legislative efforts signal growing bipartisan concern about potential exploitation of America’s open academic system for technological and military advantage by strategic competitors.
