Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has decided to end its partnerships with two Chinese universities, a move praised by John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China. The decision follows calls from Moolenaar and Tim Walberg, Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, who expressed concerns over national security risks associated with these partnerships.
In February, both chairmen urged EMU to cut ties with Beibu Gulf University and Guangxi University. They highlighted that Beibu’s Maritime College has trained students as wartime reserve forces contributing to China's military efforts in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Guangxi University was noted for supporting key national defense initiatives of China.
After receiving a letter from the committees outlining these security risks, EMU confirmed it has ended its affiliations with both institutions. "I'm proud to see that Eastern Michigan University has ended their partnerships with these two Chinese universities," said Chairman Moolenaar. He emphasized that such affiliations pose threats to U.S. research and technology due to potential exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Chairman Walberg also commended EMU's decision as an important step towards safeguarding American national security. He pointed out ongoing efforts by the CCP to infiltrate U.S. higher education systems and influence American students.
With this decision, EMU joins Oakland University and the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan in severing ties with Chinese counterparts after receiving similar letters from relevant committees. These three institutions are now among seven schools that have terminated such partnerships, following actions taken by Georgia Institute of Technology, University of California–Berkeley, University of Michigan, and University of Pittsburgh.
The push against these collaborations stems from a September 2024 report titled “CCP on the Quad.” This document warned about Defense Department-funded research at U.S. universities potentially aiding China's military advancements in various high-tech fields.
Further details on these terminated partnerships can be found through additional resources provided by involved parties.
