Congress seeks information on Chinese students at multiple universities, citing security concerns

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has sent letters to multiple U.S. universities, including the University of Maryland and Purdue University, requesting detailed information about Chinese national students due to concerns over national security and potential espionage. Chairman John Moolenaar highlighted that universities may prioritize financial incentives by admitting large numbers of Chinese students, which could compromise research integrity and benefit foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party. The committee is particularly interested in the funding sources for these students, their research activities, and their affiliations with institutions in China. In response, the Chinese government criticized the U.S. lawmakers for overstretching the concept of national security, asserting that Chinese students contribute positively to the U.S. economy and technology development. This inquiry reflects a broader trend of scrutiny over foreign nationals in American academic institutions, particularly in STEM fields. The committee's actions echo previous investigations and warnings about foreign influence in higher education.