University of Michigan Ends Partnership with Chinese University

The University of Michigan has announced the termination of its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) due to national security concerns, following federal charges against five Chinese students in the joint program who were accused of suspicious activities near a military site. This decision, made official on January 10, comes amid increased scrutiny of U.S. academic collaborations with Chinese institutions, particularly those linked to military advancements. U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman John Moolenaar, pressured the university to sever ties, citing SJTU's involvement in military-civil fusion strategies. The partnership, established in 2005, had facilitated global learning opportunities for over 1,000 students but has come under fire for potentially aiding China's military modernization. University President Santa Ono emphasized the importance of national security in this decision while expressing a commitment to international academic partnerships. This move reflects a broader trend among U.S. universities reassessing their ties with Chinese counterparts in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.