Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) And other leading House Republicans sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday urging him to accept a Trump-era proposal that would increase scrutiny by the Confucius Institutes in the United States, funded by State of China, according to a project first obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: Critics of the Chinese language and culture program say it is a “soft power” tool used to spread Beijing’s influence on university campuses. Republicans have accused Biden and his cabinet nominees of being “soft” with China and are pushing for him to adopt a tougher line.
Between the lines: The proposed rule would have forced colleges and K-12 schools to disclose any contracts, partnerships or financial transactions from Chinese-funded institutes or student groups, including Confucius Institutes or Chinese Student and Academic Associations.
- Although the Trump administration tried to approve the proposed rule in its final days, it was never finalized. It is normal for a new administration to eliminate the non-final rules of the previous administration.
- Still, Republican members are asking Biden to resubmit the rule “as soon as possible”.
The letter refers to Biden’s recent connection with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and quotes him saying: “If we don’t move, they will have lunch.”
- “Among the countless threats we face from China, the [Chinese Communist Party]The abuse of the United States ‘academic system to steal sensitive research and technology, limit freedom of expression and advertise our students is a particular concern,’ the members wrote.
- In addition to McCarthy, the letter was signed by senior member of the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul (R-Texas), John Katko (RN.Y), senior member of Homeland Security and Virginia Foxx (NC), senior member of Education and Work.
The big picture: The letter is the latest in a barrage of objections from Congressional Republicans – including Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas – about the rule being abandoned, even though it was never published under President Trump.