The U.S. Defense Department has labeled Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes on American university campuses as a potential national security risk, escalating long-standing concerns over their role as alleged propaganda platforms. Officials have previously accused the institutes of serving as vehicles for Chinese influence, prompting efforts to restrict their operations. The latest designation underscores growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over academic and cultural engagement. Critics argue the centers promote Beijing’s narrative while others defend them as legitimate cultural exchange programs.
Defense secretary Pete Hegseth alleges Confucius Institutes operating in disguise on US university campusesThe US defense department has designated Chinese-funded cultural centers on university campuses known as Confucius Institutes as a threat to US national security, defense secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.Washington has long accused Confucius Institutes of being Chinese propaganda tools and has taken steps to crack down on them. Continue reading...
