House Republicans demand universities end ties with Chinese scholarship program

In July 2025, House Republicans took significant action against seven prominent U.S. universities, urging them to cut ties with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), a Chinese government-funded scholarship program. Lawmakers described the CSC as a potential threat to national security, alleging that it serves as a tool for technology theft and exploitation for the Chinese Communist Party. The program sponsors hundreds of Chinese graduate students annually and mandates they return to China for two years post-graduation, raising concerns about academic infiltration within U.S. institutions. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has expressed commitment to investigate these partnerships and their implications on American research security. The committee led by Republican Rep. John Moolenaar outlined in letters sent to universities, including Dartmouth College and the University of Notre Dame, that the CSC not only facilitates academic exchange but also plays a role in technology transfer efforts that benefit China’s military and scientific landscape. The universities involved typically receive a mix of financial support from both Chinese and U.S. sources, with questions lingering about whether U.S. federal research grants indirectly support students affiliated with the program. The inquiry from House Republicans comes amid increasing scrutiny over foreign student admissions, particularly those from China, as federal officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlight concerns about espionage in critical research fields. The relationship between U.S. universities and international students from China has drawn mixed reactions. While the influx of Chinese students contributes significantly to academic diversity, universities emphasize the need for security measures to protect sensitive research without instilling suspicion towards all Chinese students. Dartmouth and Notre Dame have taken proactive steps, informing that they ended their participation in the CSC program, indicating a strategic shift in response to the scrutiny from lawmakers. Other institutions like Temple University and the University of Tennessee expressed commitment to reviewing the matter and providing adequate responses to the committee. This unfolding situation illustrates a broader trend of escalating tensions between U.S. and Chinese academic collaborations, where concerns over national security clash with the values of educational exchange. Overall, the growing apprehension regarding the CSC program reflects a pivotal moment for U.S. higher education institutions, urging them to reassess their partnerships with China amid fears of infiltration and espionage. The actions and responses of these universities in light of the House committee's demands will likely set a precedent for future interactions with Chinese academic entities and could redefine U.S.-China educational exchanges.