An investigative report by Kristen Stanciu and Michael Quinn Sullivan revealed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has infiltrated the University of Texas system. Stanciu and Sullivan are investigative reporters and authored a report in the Texas Scorecard on Nov. 6.
"According to Stanciu and Sullivan, CCP infiltration of the University of Texas system is raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of government-funded education institutions", said the U.S. Director of National Intelligence's 2023 threat assessment, which highlights the CCP's efforts to expand its global influence and interfere with American institutions. "As Xi begins his third term as China’s leader, the CCP will work to press Taiwan on unification, undercut U.S. influence, drive wedges between Washington and its partners, and foster some norms that favor its authoritarian system,” it added.
The University of Texas System has connections with the CCP, including research collaborations and partnerships with Chinese universities. Additionally, there connection between University of Texas Medical Board with Wuhan Institute of Virology raised questions about transparency and potential risks associated with these connections. The presence of Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSA) on various University of Texas campuses raises concerns about their ties to the CCP.
According to a 2022 report from Director of National Intelligence: "Beijing uses a sophisticated array of covert, overt, licit, and illicit means to try to soften U.S. criticism, shape U.S. power centers’ views of China, and influence policymakers at all levels of government."
