Washington, July 28: A Republican senator has urged for a closer examination of Chinese investments in American universities. He warned that covert financial ties with sanctioned entities could jeopardize U.S. innovation and national security.
Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas sent a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Monday, expressing his concerns. He noted that millions of dollars in transactions linked to Chinese entities may not have been reported due to being below federal disclosure thresholds.
In his letter, Cotton stated, “I am writing to express my concern regarding investments from sanctioned Chinese entities in American universities. These investments provide China with opportunities to advance its interests while undermining U.S. innovation and our national security.”
Cotton referenced data from an online portal launched by the U.S. Department of Education on January 2. This portal provides aggregate and institution-level information about foreign donations received by American universities.
He highlighted that as of January 31, federally funded universities had received over $6.8 billion from China, including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities. He specifically mentioned Harvard University, which has received over $630 million from Chinese organizations.
Cotton’s letter included details about nearly $418,000 received from organizations involved in foreign talent programs and about $420,000 from entities aiding unauthorized military advancements.
While Cotton praised the Education Department’s efforts to enhance transparency, he pointed out that current regulations allow smaller transactions to evade public disclosure. He noted, “Federally funded universities are not required to report transactions of less than $250,000 from a single foreign source in a year. I am concerned that additional millions in transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported. Therefore, I suggest a more thorough investigation into the financial ties between American universities and Communist China.”
The letter did not mention other universities or detail the actions Cotton wants the department to take. It also did not accuse Harvard or any other institution of violating U.S. laws.
Cotton’s request is part of a growing scrutiny in Washington regarding foreign funding received by universities, particularly money linked to China. Lawmakers are increasingly viewing access to academic research and advanced technology as national security issues.
For years, U.S. universities receiving federal financial aid have been required to disclose certain foreign gifts and contracts. These regulations aim to provide the government and the public with more information about foreign funding received by higher education institutions.
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