Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) And other senior House Republicans sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday urging him to take a Trump-era proposal that would take control of the state-funded Confucius- institutes in the US, according to a design first obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: Critics of Chinese culture and language program say it is a “soft power” tool used to spread Beijing’s influence on college campuses. Republicans have accused Biden and his cabinet nominees of being “soft” against China and are urging him to take a tougher stance.
Between the lines: The proposed rule would have forced colleges and elementary schools to disclose all contracts, partnerships or financial transactions of China-funded institutions or student groups, including Confucius Institutes or Chinese student and scholarly associations.
- Although the Trump administration tried to enforce the proposed rule in its last days, it was never finalized. It is normal for a new company to delete non-final lines from the previous company.
- Still, Republican members are urging Biden to resubmit the rule “as soon as possible.”
The letter refers to Biden’s recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, quoting him as saying, “If we don’t move, they’re going to eat our lunch.”
- “Among the many threats we face from China, the [Chinese Communist Party]”The misuse of the US academic system to steal sensitive research and technology, restrict free speech and propagate our students is of particular importance,” the members wrote.
- In addition to McCarthy, the letter was signed by Michael McCaul (R-Texas), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, John Katko (RN.Y), member of the Homeland Security ranking, and Virginia Foxx (NC), member of the Education and Labor ranking.
The big picture: The letter is the latest in a string of objections from Congressional Republicans – including Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas – on the repeal of the rule, even though it was never published under President Trump.