Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has urged the University of Michigan to end its joint institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Chinese university is known for its contributions to China's military advancements, including nuclear weapons and fighter jets.
In September, Moolenaar presented findings from an investigation titled ‘CCP on the Quad: How American Taxpayers and Universities Fund the CCP's Advanced Military and Technological Research.’ Following these revelations, institutions like U.C. Berkeley and Georgia Tech have begun closing their research partnerships with Chinese universities. However, the University of Michigan has not yet addressed concerns about national security risks associated with its collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The ongoing partnership involves hosting students from Shanghai Jiao Tong at Michigan’s campus, which poses potential espionage threats. Recently, five students were charged after trespassing onto a U.S. National Guard installation.
Moolenaar's request to University President Santa Ono emphasizes that "Shanghai Jiao Tong drives the [People’s Republic of China] PRC’s military modernization and intelligence capabilities." He notes that since 2017, an agreement exists between Shanghai Jiao Tong and China's Strategic Support Force to train new combat forces. This training includes mandatory military exercises combined with ideological education for freshmen.
He further argues that "Given these concerning developments," he strongly advises terminating the partnership to protect federally funded research integrity at Michigan and thoroughly vet international students on campus.
Moolenaar also points out several national security risks posed by this collaboration:
- Since 2021, the Joint Institute has supported studies in critical technologies through China's 863 Program.
- Researchers have contributed to defense technology advancements such as rocket fuel research alongside People’s Liberation Army (PLA) scientists.
- Projects aimed at improving CT imaging technology for military equipment may have used Department of Defense-funded research from Michigan faculty.
- The Joint Institute focuses on nano- and microfabrication technology crucial for China’s National Defense Laboratory.
- Graduates often join China’s aerospace sector, including positions at CASC's missile development academy blacklisted by the USG.
The letter from Chairman Moolenaar can be accessed for more details.
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