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Michigan Representatives call for Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, and the University of Detroit Mercy to end joint programs with Chinese universities linked to the Chinese military.
Moolenaar, Walberg Demand Michigan Universities Sever China Ties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Moolenaar, Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Congressman Tim Walberg, Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, are calling on three Michigan universities to end their partnerships with Chinese universities linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) military and technological development.
The legislators sent letters to the presidents of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Oakland University, and the University of Detroit Mercy, urging them to immediately terminate agreements that could jeopardize U.S. research security, defense interests, and taxpayer investments.
Concerns Over National Security Risks
Moolenaar and Walberg cited China’s history of espionage and exploitation of U.S. research programs as a serious risk to national security. In their joint letter, the lawmakers warned:
“The PRC systematically exploits the open research environment in the United States, actively engaging in theft, espionage, and other hostile actions against U.S. universities. Your university’s PRC collaborations jeopardize the integrity of U.S. research, risk the exploitation of sensitive technologies, and undermine taxpayer investments intended to strengthen America’s technological and defense capabilities.”
The lawmakers argue that research funded by the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and other U.S. agencies must be protected from foreign adversaries seeking to gain a technological edge over the United States.
Michigan Universities’ Controversial China Partnerships
Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
- Partnerships: Beibu Gulf University, Guangxi University
- Concerns:
- Beibu Gulf University’s Maritime College trains wartime reserve forces and supports China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- Guangxi University is part of China’s “211 Project,” aimed at developing elite institutions to support national defense objectives.
- EMU faculty deployed to China collaborate on cybersecurity projects, raising concerns over the transfer of NSA-funded research and expertise to China.
- EMU employed Yifei Chu, who pleaded guilty to lying to U.S. officials about working on a classified naval project, further raising red flags.
Oakland University
- Partnerships: Changchun University of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Beijing Information Science and Technology University
- Concerns:
- Changchun University trains talent specifically for China’s national defense technologies.
- Beijing Information Science and Technology University boasts of significant contributions to China’s military research.
- Zhengzhou University of Light Industry is designated as an Advanced Unit in National Defense Education.
- Oakland has received over $2.5 million in U.S. Department of Defense grants, yet key personnel involved in its NSA-funded cybersecurity program also work with Zhengzhou University, potentially aiding China’s cyber capabilities.
University of Detroit Mercy (UDM)
- Partnerships: Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Anhui Polytechnic University
- Concerns:
- Detroit Mercy operates dual-degree programs allowing Chinese students to transfer into UDM’s Center for Automotive Systems Engineering Education, exposing them to advanced technologies with both civilian and military applications.
- UDM faculty have been traveling to China to teach courses, potentially transferring sensitive knowledge and expertise.
- UDM launched the Detroit Green Technology Institute at Hubei University of Technology, where a CCP committee oversees research direction.
- Since 2020, the Department of Defense has invested over $1.6 million in UDM’s Metro Detroit Regional Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute, raising concerns over intellectual property security.
Other Universities Have Already Cut Ties
The University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of California Berkeley have already terminated joint institutes with Chinese universities in response to similar concerns. Moolenaar and Walberg argue that Michigan universities must follow suit to safeguard American research and national security interests.
Next Steps for Michigan Universities
Moolenaar and Walberg’s letters place significant pressure on EMU, Oakland, and UDM to take swift action. If the universities do not voluntarily sever ties, federal funding and research grants could be at risk.
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