A Republican bill that could severely limit partnerships between American and Chinese universities is making its way through the US Congress – this time without vocal Democratic opposition.
The bill, which would prevent US universities from receiving Department of Homeland Security funding if they “have a relationship” with certain Chinese universities, including those tied to the national Chinese Academy of Sciences, advanced out of the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday.
Sponsored by US congressman August Pfluger of Texas, the bill was approved by the committee via voice vote. It would need to pass the full Republican-controlled House and Senate before it could be sent to US President Donald Trump for signing into law.
“National security experts and law enforcement officials have continuously raised alarm bells about the [Chinese Communist Party]’s increasing subversive activities inside our country through organisations like Confucius Institutes and their affiliate groups,” Pfluger said on Wednesday.
My bill “will play a vital role in protecting our students, intellectual property and other national security”, he added.
Pfluger’s bill comes amid numerous congressional efforts to decouple US-China educational cooperation due to national security concerns.
