The University of Michigan (UM) is being urged by U.S. lawmakers to terminate its Joint Institute partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University amid fears the collaboration could assist China’s military development. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to UM President Santa Ono, warning that the partnership could compromise national security.
Moolenaar’s letter highlighted that research conducted at the Joint Institute reportedly supports sensitive Chinese defense projects, including nuclear weapon development and fighter jet technology. Moolenaar called for UM to prioritize the integrity of federally funded research, stating that this collaboration may pose a risk to U.S. security interests.
The Joint Institute’s work reportedly includes researchers from China’s People’s Liberation Army, with funding from both U.S. taxpayer dollars and China’s 863 Program, which is dedicated to military technology development. The institute also partners with CATL, a Chinese battery company linked to defense projects and alleged forced labor practices in Xinjiang.
In addition to research concerns, the Joint Institute brings Shanghai Jiao Tong University students to UM’s campus, where they reportedly participate in military training and ideological exercises. Moolenaar requested that UM increase its vetting process for international students to prevent potential security risks.
This call to action follows reports in 2023 of five students from the Joint Institute being accused of spying at Michigan’s Camp Grayling military facility. More recently, a Chinese UM student not affiliated with the Joint Institute was charged with voter fraud, further raising concerns over international influence.
Moolenaar’s letter underscores the growing worries in Congress over foreign involvement in American universities and the potential impact on national security, as lawmakers call on UM to reassess its partnership with the Chinese university.
