China's influence threatens American universities, experts say

The Chinese government's influence over American universities is broad and deep, ranging from such subtle pressures as the denial of visas for vocal American scholars to more overt efforts, including opening Chinese cultural institutes on U.S. college campuses, experts on human rights and education told lawmakers Thursday.

That influence has become more pronounced as American universities open satellites campuses in the country and welcome Chinese government-funded programs on their stateside campuses, experts said.

"U.S. colleges and universities should not be outsourcing academic control, faculty and student oversight or curriculum to a foreign government," Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.) said at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. He said he would call for a Government Accountability Office study into academic agreements American universities have made with China.

Much of the debate centered on the Confucius Institutes, Chinese government-sponsored cultural centers at universities worldwide. Funded by the Chinese government, the institutes provide language instruction and sponsor cultural exchanges, but some experts worry they allow China to engage in "soft power" propaganda campaigns and encourage censorship over certain topics.

China says the institutes which experts estimate could number more than 400 worldwide are established only at schools that invite them and do not force their curriculum on any campus.

Experts suggested that the federal government could do more to finance Chinese-language programs within the United States, rather than relying on Chinese funds to do so.

"Why should we hand our young people over to an authoritarian government because they supply the funds?" asked Perry Link, a Chinese-language professor at UC Riverside. "We have enough funds for that."

Experts also called on lawmakers to withhold visas for Confucius Institute instructors as long as China continues to do the same for American scholars.

Mainly, they said, American universities must do more in their negotiations as they develop partnerships with China, pushing for broader discussion rather than quieting debates over controversial topics on their campuses.

"If you don't stake out the borderline, natural self-censorship will stick in," Link said.

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China's influence threatens American universities, experts say