Source: Fortune
Summary
The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered 30 universities to audit partnerships with Chinese institutions and military training schools, citing national security concerns. The schools must complete the review within two weeks or risk losing funding. The move follows a list of 130 foreign institutions, mostly Chinese, accused of misappropriating U.S.-funded research. Harvard, MIT, and Johns Hopkins are among the schools named. The American Council on Education expressed concern over the lack of evidence and potential liability for past partnerships.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
The Pentagon demands audits of 30 universities.
Harvard, MIT, and Johns Hopkins are named.
Academic leaders say the move lacks evidence.
The U.S. continues to scrutinize China’s global influence.
Author: Evan Null
Background on the Pentagon’s Order
The Department of Defense has issued a directive to 30 U.S. universities to audit their partnerships with Chinese institutions and military training schools. The order is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to counter China’s growing global influence. The goal is to protect U.S. taxpayer-funded research from potential theft or exploitation. The deadline for completing the audits is two weeks, after which schools could lose funding if they fail to act.
Key Institutions Involved
While the Pentagon did not name the schools, a U.S. official confirmed that Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University are among those affected. These institutions have long been involved in international research and academic collaborations. The order comes as part of an updated list of 130 foreign institutions, mostly Chinese, that the Pentagon has accused of activities that could compromise U.S. research and development efforts.
Concerns from Academic Leaders
Sarah Spreitzer, vice president at the American Council on Education, raised concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against the universities. She pointed out that the council helped create the list of foreign institutions during the Trump administration’s first term. Spreitzer expressed worry that schools could be held liable for partnerships that predate the list. She emphasized that the council has always worked with the federal government on national security issues.
Broader Context of U.S.-China Tensions
The audit is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to address concerns about China’s influence in the Americas. This includes pushing back on Chinese ownership of ports, infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative, and investments in the telecommunications sector. The Justice Department is also investigating Harvard University over allegations that Chinese donors are creating scholarships that exclude American students.
Chinese Response to the Order
The Chinese embassy issued a statement opposing what it called the politicization of normal scientific, educational, and academic exchanges. It urged the U.S. to abandon the Cold War mentality and foster an open and fair environment for exchanges between the two countries. The statement reflects the growing tensions between the U.S. and China over issues of national security and academic collaboration.
