The University of Montana is facing criticism from Republican lawmakers for its program allowing groups associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to sponsor student trips to China.
The program, named “CUSEF cultural exchange,” has raised national security concerns, with lawmakers urging the university to sever ties with CCP-affiliated groups.
Despite pressure, the university defends the partnership, prompting further concern from state lawmakers. (Trending: Hollywood A-Listers Revealed In Epstein Court Documents)
Montana Republicans fume over university defying calls to shutter CCP-linked program: 'Malign influence'
University of Montana defended program funded by known CCP influencing operationhttps://t.co/M6LsfnXbna— goldberryjoe (@goldberryjoe) January 7, 2024
“Like many Montanans, I have grave concerns about the Chinese Communist Party shoveling money into American colleges and universities, including those in Montana, to target, spy on, and influence our institutions. The CCP is not our friend,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said.
“Congressman [Ryan] Zinke remains concerned and disappointed that the university is not taking the Chinese threat seriously,” said Heather Swift, spokesperson for Rep. Ryan Zinke.
“The Chinese communist propaganda machine relies on influencing young people and normalizing their misinformation campaigns. Programs like that offered at UM are vehicles for the propaganda.”
A House letter to UMT President Seth Bodnar noted that the CUSEF is a “key united front forum designed to advance CCP objectives in and beyond the PRC. The founder and longtime chair of CUSEF, Tung Chee-hwa, was the vice chair of the CPPCC and clearly aligns with CCP interests.”
“Since the 1980s, Tung served as a proxy for the CCP in Hong Kong, where as the first chief executive he pushed for the kind of draconian national security legislation we see today.”
“Given the Chinese Communist Party’s malign influence, what the Select Committee on the CCP uncovered is troubling and deserves to be looked into further,” Sen. Steve Daines said.
While some lawmakers expressed worry about CCP influence, the university president insisted that the program complies with state and federal law, emphasizing the importance of expanding learning experiences for students.
Bodnar stated that the trips are lawful and “rather than shrink opportunity, it is our responsibility to expand learning experiences for our students so that America can compete and win around the globe.”
“As a former special forces officer, I understand firsthand the threats to freedom posed by foreign adversaries,” Bodnar said.
“This program is in complete compliance with state and federal law.”
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