US House Passes Bill to Curb China's Influence on American Campuses

Legislative Effort to Limit Chinese Influence

The US House of Representatives recently passed a bill aimed at reducing China's growing influence in American universities. This move was part of "China Week," an initiative by House Republican leadership to address China's increasing presence across various sectors. On September 9th, the House approved 15 bills, all aimed at maintaining the United States' technological edge and countering China's alleged subversive activities.

Central to these bills is a piece of legislation introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) that prohibits American educational institutions that have ties with Confucius Institutes (CIs) or receive Chinese funding from obtaining grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate now has the bill under consideration. However, the message to schools associated with CIs is clear: they must choose between supporting the US or aiding the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in undermining American institutions.

Confucius Institutes: A Source of Controversy

Confucius Institutes, which are funded by the CCP, have come under scrutiny. The CCP selects and pays for the teaching materials and sends Chinese nationals to teach. A 2018 report from the US–China Economic and Security Review Commission highlighted the "longstanding and formal ties" between CIs and the CCP's United Front Work Department, a key player in influence operations. Despite many Confucius Institutes being forced to close in 2020 and 2021 following a State Department crackdown, the CCP has adapted, with some institutes rebranding but maintaining the same objectives.

Despite a significant number of closures in the United States in 2020 and 2021 following the State Department's designation of the Confucius Institute U.S. Center (CIUS) as a Chinese foreign mission, a 2022 report revealed that a substantial portion of these institutes rebranded under similar programs.

Opposition and Support for the Bill

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) opposed the bill, arguing that the language was too broad, potentially banning all types of DHS funding, including disaster relief, for all American colleges receiving money from China. The White House, while supporting the spirit of the bill, questioned its approach in a statement issued on September 10.

The bill was later passed with a vote of 249–161, with most representatives voting along party lines. Thirty-six Democrats voted in favor of the bill. The amended version of the bill narrowed down the definition of Chinese entities of concern to those that assist in the persecution of Uyghur Muslims, work against US–Taiwan relations, or participate in the Thousand Talents Program, a Chinese initiative to attract talent with critical military technology.

Only institutions receiving funding from these Chinese entities of concern will be disqualified from receiving DHS funding. The amended version also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress any colleges among DHS grant recipients that work with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern.

Bill Passage and University Response

Following the passage of his bill, Pfluger stated that the CCP is using Confucius Institutes to infiltrate American university campuses and engage in espionage, steal intellectual property, intimidate Chinese dissidents, promote communist propaganda, and funnel sensitive information back to the People’s Liberation Army.

The bill was passed shortly after Georgia Tech announced that it would not continue its Shenzhen Institute (GTSI) in Shenzhen, China. The university cited its "extensive role in national security" and the fact that the Commerce Department has blacklisted Tianjin University since December 2020 as reasons to terminate the institute in China. Current students can still graduate through the program.

Investigation into University Partnerships

Several months ago, Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House China panel, initiated an investigation into Georgia Tech’s partnership with Tianjin University. Moolenaar welcomed Georgia Tech’s decision and urged other colleges with similar ties to consider the potential impact on America’s long-term national security.

Bottom Line

The recent legislative efforts by the US House of Representatives highlight the growing concern over China's influence in American educational institutions. The bill, if passed by the Senate, could significantly impact universities with ties to Chinese entities. However, it also raises questions about academic freedom and the potential for broad interpretation of its provisions. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think this bill is a necessary step to protect American interests, or could it potentially infringe on academic freedom? Share your thoughts and discuss this topic with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.