University of Michigan Ends Ties with Chinese Institution Amid Security Concerns

The University of Michigan has announced its decision to terminate its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, citing national security concerns. This move follows allegations of suspicious activities involving five Chinese students in the joint program.

In a letter to U.S. Congressman John Moolenaar, University President Santa Ono confirmed the institution has begun a six-month process to officially end the partnership. Ono emphasized that while international academic collaborations are valued, the university takes “matters of national security very seriously” and will implement stricter vetting of visa requirements for international students.

This decision reflects a broader trend among U.S. universities reassessing ties with Chinese institutions amidst concerns that such partnerships could inadvertently support China’s military modernization. The Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley, have also announced similar disengagements.

The controversy stems from an incident in August 2023 when five Chinese students in the joint program were confronted near Camp Grayling, Michigan, a military training site. The students were later charged in October with providing false information and attempting to obscure their activities. Reports suggest the students are no longer in the United States and have not appeared in court.

In his correspondence, Moolenaar highlighted concerns about Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s ties to military-aligned departments and dual-use research programs, which could enhance China’s intelligence and defense capabilities. He urged the University of Michigan to sever ties, a recommendation Ono confirmed was acted upon.

This is not the first time security concerns have surfaced at the University of Michigan. In 2020, two Chinese nationals pursuing master’s degrees were sentenced to prison for illegally photographing sensitive areas at a naval air station in Florida. More recently, in October 2024, a Chinese student from the university was charged with casting an illegal ballot during early voting.

The decision underscores growing scrutiny of academic partnerships with Chinese institutions as U.S. lawmakers push for measures to safeguard critical technologies and national security.

Input from The Associated Press