Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California) and other top House Republicans sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday urging him to adopt a Trump-era proposal that would increase control over state-funded Confucius Institutes in the United States. from China, according to a sketch first obtained by Axios.
Why does it matter: Critics of the Chinese culture and language program say it is a “soft power” tool used to spread Beijing’s influence over university campuses. Republicans have accused Biden and his cabinet candidates of being “gentle” to China and pushing for it to take a tougher line.
Between the lines: The proposed rule would have required K-12 colleges and schools to disclose any contracts, partnerships or financial transactions from Chinese-funded institutes or groups of students, including the Confucius Institutes or the Chinese Students and Associations Associations.
- Although the Trump administration has tried to implement the proposed rule in its last days, it has never been finalized. It is normal for a new administration to abandon the non-final rules of the previous administration.
- However, Republican members urge Biden to relay the rule “as soon as possible.”
letter he refers to Biden’s recent call with Chinese President Xi Jinping and quotes him as saying, “If we don’t move, they’ll eat our lunch.”
- “Of the many threats we face from China, [Chinese Communist Party]The abuse of the American academic system to steal sensitive research and technology, limit free speech and propagate our students is of particular concern, ”members wrote.
- In addition to McCarthy, the letter was signed by Michael McCaul (R-Texas), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a member of the Homeland Security Ranking John Katko (RN.Y) and a member of the Virginia Board of Education and Employment Foxx (NC).
The whole picture: The letter is the latest in a series of objections from Republicans in Congress – including Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas – about giving up the rule, despite the fact that it was never published under President Trump.