Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has urged the University of Michigan to terminate its joint institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Chinese university is known for its contributions to China's military modernization, including developments in nuclear weapons and fighter jets.
In September, Moolenaar presented findings from an investigation titled ‘CCP on the Quad: How American Taxpayers and Universities Fund the CCP's Advanced Military and Technological Research.’ Following these revelations, institutions like U.C. Berkeley and Georgia Tech have started ending their research collaborations with Chinese universities. However, the University of Michigan has yet to address concerns about its partnership with a defense-linked Chinese university.
The University of Michigan hosts students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University as part of this collaboration, raising espionage concerns. Recently, five students were charged for lying to federal investigators after trespassing onto a U.S. National Guard installation.
Moolenaar wrote to University President Santa Ono stating that Shanghai Jiao Tong University's military-aligned departments contribute significantly to China's defense programs. He noted that since 2017, the university has been training high-end combat forces in collaboration with China’s Strategic Support Force.
He emphasized, “Given these concerning developments, I strongly encourage you to shutter the partnership between U-M and Shanghai Jiao Tong and take the necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of federally funded research at U-M.”
Moolenaar also pointed out several national security risks associated with this joint institute:
- Since 2021, it has facilitated studies in critical technologies funded by China's 863 Program.
- Researchers have contributed to advancements in defense technologies alongside People’s Liberation Army researchers.
- Projects have improved CT imaging technology for military equipment using Department of Defense-funded research.
- The institute focuses on nano- and microfabrication technology linked to China’s National Defense Laboratory.
- Students often join China’s military aerospace sector through roles at blacklisted organizations like CASC’s 8th Academy.
Further details can be found in Chairman Moolenaar’s letter addressed to the University of Michigan.
