US Warns of China-Linked Campus Threats

March 27, 2026

Washington: US lawmakers warned that foreign actors, including those linked to China, are targeting American universities for espionage and influence. At a House hearing, Chairman Tim Walberg said adversaries are exploiting open academic systems. “They’re actively competing against our nation’s interests on the battlegrounds of our university campuses,” he said. He emphasized the need to protect research without shutting down global collaboration.

Universities Strengthen Security Measures

University officials acknowledged the threats but said they are manageable with proper safeguards. Domenico Grasso, president of the University of Michigan, said his institution has tightened security. “We are meeting the increased threat with increased security,” he said. Measures include expanded background checks, improved data protection, increased coordination with federal agencies, removal of students linked to unlawful activity, and ending partnerships with Chinese institutions seen as security risks.

At the University of Florida, officials described a similar approach. Cassandra Farley said the university screens research hires, reviews foreign ties, and monitors international travel. She noted that federal agencies had warned about foreign talent programs tied to China, adding, “UF protects that research enterprise from undue foreign influence.”

Direct Targeting of Students Reported

Lawmakers also heard testimony about direct targeting of students. Elsa Johnson, a Stanford student journalist, said she was contacted online by a man posing as a peer, who later pressured her to share research and travel to China. “The FBI confirmed he had no affiliation with Stanford… he was likely operating on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security,” she said. Johnson added that she later received intimidation calls and threats, and criticized the university’s slow response.

National Security vs. Open Academic Exchange

Republican lawmakers said such incidents demonstrate a clear national security risk. Some Democrats disagreed, warning against overstating the threat and targeting international students. Representative Suzanne Bonamici said the focus should remain on college costs and student debt rather than “xenophobic” narratives.

US universities remain global leaders in research, attracting talent from around the world. Lawmakers, however, stressed that the openness that drives innovation can also be exploited if adequate safeguards fail.