The National Association of Scholars (NAS) applauds the vigilance of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in opposing subversion from China. And we support its recent initiatives to eliminate the transfer to China of sensitive dual-use technology such as artificial intelligence and drone technology. The introduction of the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act by Committee Chairman Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) to restrict outgoing American investment in sensitive sectors of China’s economy is a necessary step to prevent Beijing from obtaining military and economic advantage over U.S. capabilities.
NAS notes, however, that the Committee has overlooked the role of universities in this area. To prevent China’s technological advancement through joint and “fundamental” research, both Congress and the administration must monitor China’s research partners—American colleges and universities. Georgia Tech and Alfred University in New York state are cases in point: CCP-linked organizations on those campuses were recently forced to close because of their close ties to sensitive areas of technological research. Congress and Trump must continue to safeguard higher education from Beijing’s influence.
NAS encourages more Congressional legislation and administrative action to combat China’s influence in STEM research in the United States, especially at our institutions of higher education, as well as the rescission of the U.S.-PRC Science and Technology Agreement that was renewed at the close of 2024.
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