Two important House committees have come together to send a powerful message to Duke University, urging the prestigious institution to end its partnership with Wuhan University in China. In a letter addressed to the president of Duke University, the heads of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Committee on Education and Labor have raised concerns about the ties between the two universities.
This move comes after a series of alarming events that have raised serious questions about the actions and intentions of the Chinese Communist Party. With China’s rising influence and power in the global arena, it is crucial for institutions like Duke University to carefully evaluate their partnerships and ensure that they do not compromise on their values or national security.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), the chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor, have expressed their concern over Duke University’s partnership with Wuhan University, which is located in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers emphasized that this partnership could potentially pose a major threat to the integrity of Duke University and the United States as a whole.
The letter highlights the fact that Duke University and Wuhan University have a joint venture known as the Duke Kunshan University (DKU) in China. This partnership was formed in 2013 with the goal of offering academic programs and research opportunities for students and scholars from both universities. However, the recent events have exposed the dark side of China’s policies and practices, raising serious doubts about the safety and security of such collaborations.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, has caused devastation worldwide, resulting in millions of deaths and disrupting economies worldwide. The Chinese government’s initial handling of the outbreak and its subsequent cover-up have been widely condemned by the international community. Furthermore, reports have also revealed China’s attempts to steal sensitive information and intellectual property from institutions and companies in the United States. These actions clearly demonstrate the CCP’s disregard for global norms and values, making it imperative for institutions like Duke University to reassess their partnerships.
In their letter, the lawmakers have highlighted several concerning aspects of Duke University’s partnership with Wuhan University. One major concern is the potential risk to national security through the exchange of sensitive information and technology without proper safeguards. It is no secret that China has been aggressively pursuing its goal of becoming a global superpower by any means necessary, including espionage and intellectual property theft. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to ensure that partnerships with Chinese institutions are closely scrutinized and monitored to prevent any harm.
Furthermore, the letter also raises concerns about the impact of CCP’s influence on academic freedom and intellectual property rights at Duke Kunshan University. As a result of China’s strict censorship and control over information and media, academic freedom and free expression are significantly limited in Chinese institutions. This raises questions about the integrity of research conducted at Duke Kunshan University and the possibility of important findings being suppressed or manipulated to align with the CCP’s agenda.
Moreover, the lawmakers also express their concern about the impact of this partnership on American students studying in China. With China’s strict control over its citizens and foreigners within its borders, there is growing concern about the safety and well-being of American students at Duke Kunshan University. The letter emphasizes the need for Duke University to prioritize the safety and security of its students, especially in light of the deteriorating US-China relations.
In addition, the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the CCP against minority communities, including the Uyghurs, have also been highlighted as a cause for concern. The lawmakers have raised the question of whether Duke University’s partnership with Wuhan University aligns with its values and principles, considering the Chinese government’s actions against its own citizens.
Overall, the letter urges Duke University to carefully evaluate its partnership with Wuhan University, taking into account the current global and geopolitical climate. It also encourages the university to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students, academic freedom and integrity, and national security. As the United States continues to confront the challenges posed by the CCP, it is essential for institutions like Duke University to play their part in safeguarding American interests and values.
In conclusion, the joint letter from the heads of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Committee on Education and Labor serves as a timely reminder for educational institutions to carefully assess their partnerships with Chinese institutions. With China’s growing influence and aggressive tactics, it is crucial to
