Warning: Chinese Communist Party’s Coercive Influence on US University Campuses

Chinese Communist Party’s ‘Coercive Influence’ Warning on Infiltration of US University Campuses

October 24, 2023

Republican Congressman Gallagher warns university presidents about the ‘coercive influence’ of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on US campuses. Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Council on Education, Gallagher emphasized the CCP’s efforts to spread ‘coercive influence’ on American campuses.

Gallagher highlighted that the CCP is exploiting the openness of American society and higher education for its own interests. He emphasized the CCP’s goal of utilizing technological advancements, spreading coercive influence, and strengthening dependence to enhance its international standing while weakening America’s position.

The congressman expressed concerns about the impact of the CCP on academic freedom and the well-being of Chinese students studying in the US. He shared cases of Chinese students facing harassment, surveillance, and physical attacks due to expressing dissenting views from the CCP’s line. Gallagher emphasized that many students fear retaliation against themselves and their families in China, leading some to be unable to return home.

Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) and Confucius Institutes

Gallagher identified the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) as a more significant concern than Confucius Institutes. He warned that this association, which ostensibly exists to support Chinese students studying abroad, often acts as a mechanism for the CCP to restrict freedom of the press and freedom itself. Gallagher pointed out that many CSSA chapters describe themselves as being under the guidance or control of the Chinese embassy.

Protecting Academic Freedom and Financial Transparency

As part of his recommendations, Gallagher urged universities to better protect students from CCP harassment and attacks. He also proposed measures for the legislature to prohibit student organizations receiving funding or instructions from hostile governments, such as China, that seek to oppress students on American campuses.

Gallagher further emphasized the need for universities to reassess their collaborations with researchers and institutions associated with the CCP or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He proposed that the Congress should limit funding for research and cooperation with institutions affiliated with the PLA.

Additionally, Gallagher called for enhanced financial transparency, urging universities to disclose funds received from foreign sources and exercise caution in investments related to China. He emphasized the importance of implementing Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires universities to disclose foreign funding.

Moving Forward

Gallagher concluded his remarks by urging university leaders to have a “clear-eyed view” of the threat posed by the CCP to campuses and consider ways to respond while maintaining moral, intellectual, and financial integrity to preserve America’s free and open society.

The specific universities attending Gallagher’s speech were not mentioned in the article, but it noted that the American Council on Education includes institutions such as Boston University and New York University among its 71 member institutions.

Gallagher, the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on China, has been vocal about the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He believes that China presents the greatest geopolitical challenge to the next President and warns that the US is facing its greatest peril. He anticipates China becoming more aggressive due to economic headwinds.

Overall, Gallagher emphasizes the need for university presidents to protect academic freedom, ensure financial transparency, and be vigilant against the coercive influence of the Chinese Communist Party on US campuses.