
Millions in Chinese donations to US universities go unreported, raising concerns about transparency and foreign influence on academic institutions.
Key Takeaways
- American universities are failing to disclose substantial amounts of funding from China, potentially reaching billions of dollars.
- Congress is considering legislation to increase transparency in foreign donations to nonprofits and universities.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential influence of foreign donors on academic research, programs, and public policy.
- The issue highlights the delicate balance between maintaining academic integrity and navigating international partnerships.
Undisclosed Chinese Funding in American Universities
Recent investigations have revealed a troubling trend in American higher education: universities across the United States are failing to disclose millions of dollars in funding from China. This lack of transparency has sparked debates about the potential influence of foreign money on academic institutions and the integrity of research conducted within them.
According to a 2024 House Select Committee investigation, the undisclosed Chinese funding to American universities could amount to “likely hundreds of millions, if not billions in total.” This staggering figure underscores the magnitude of the issue and the urgent need for greater scrutiny.
Notable Cases of Unreported Funding
Several prominent universities have been identified as recipients of substantial unreported Chinese funding. UC Berkeley, for instance, received $87.5 million from China since 2013, along with an additional $59.4 million from Hong Kong and $57.5 million from Taiwan. Georgia Tech accepted $162.8 million from foreign sources, with at least $32.3 million originating from China.
“The one thing that we have to absolutely insist on is, if you give money, that does not give you any license to affect the curriculum and affect the academic freedom of the faculty,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec.
These revelations come on the heels of a previous investigation under the Trump Administration, which uncovered $6.5 billion in unreported funding from countries posing national security threats. The persistent nature of this issue suggests a systemic problem in reporting foreign donations to American educational institutions.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence
The influx of unreported Chinese funding has raised serious concerns about potential foreign influence on U.S. academic priorities, public policy, and even national security. Critics argue that such donations may come with expectations that align with Chinese governmental interests, potentially compromising educational integrity and research agendas.
One particularly concerning example is the TBSI program, which has been linked to the transfer of U.S. technologies and expertise to China, potentially benefiting China’s defense and security apparatus. This connection underscores the national security implications of undisclosed foreign funding in American universities.
Legislative Responses and Transparency Efforts
In response to these concerns, Congress is considering several pieces of legislation aimed at increasing transparency in foreign donations to nonprofits and universities. The American Donor Privacy and Foreign Funding Transparency Act, for instance, would require all nonprofits to disclose the total amount of funding received from foreign sources, along with the citizenship of these sources and the total amount of donations from each country.
Other proposed measures include the Think Tank Transparency Act, the DETERRENT Act, and the No Foreign Election Interference Act, all aimed at addressing various aspects of foreign influence through donations and funding. These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for greater transparency and oversight in the realm of foreign donations to American institutions.
Balancing Academic Freedom and Transparency
As the debate over foreign funding in American universities continues, institutions must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining academic freedom and ensuring transparency in their funding sources. While some argue that increased scrutiny is necessary to protect national interests, others caution against measures that might discourage legitimate philanthropic support for educational institutions.
The ongoing scrutiny of Chinese donations to U.S. universities serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing higher education in an increasingly globalized world. As policymakers and academic leaders grapple with these issues, the ultimate goal remains clear: to preserve the integrity and independence of American academic institutions while fostering beneficial international collaborations.
Sources:
- https://www.philanthropy.com/article/congressional-scrutiny-of-foreign-donors-is-a-good-thing-for-all-nonprofits
- https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/24/chinese-government-koch-brothers-fund-texas-universities-scrutiny/
- https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/scrutiny-of-chinas-donations-to-american-universities-is-long-overdue
- https://dailycaller.com/2025/01/22/us-universities-chinese-funding/