Michigan And New York Lawmakers Seek Answers From Harvard Over Chinese Military, Iran Ties
In a letter sent Monday morning, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), and House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) have jointly demanded that Harvard University provide detailed information regarding its collaborations with entities linked to the Chinese military, sanctioned groups, and the Iranian government.
The concern centers on several specific instances outlined in the letter, which the lawmakers argue raise significant national security and ethical red flags, including:
Training of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC): Harvard reportedly repeatedly trained members of the XPCC, a paramilitary organization sanctioned by the U.S. government for its central role in the alleged genocide of Uyghur Muslims in China. The letter states that this training continued even after the U.S. Treasury Department placed XPCC on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List in 2020, with instances as recent as 2024.
Research Partnerships with Chinese Military-Linked Universities: The representatives highlighted research collaborations funded by the U.S. Department of Defense involving Harvard researchers and universities in China with direct ties to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), such as Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, and Huazhong University. These collaborations reportedly involved research with potential military applications in areas like aerospace and optics.
Collaboration with Iranian Government-Funded Researchers: The letter details instances of Harvard researchers working on projects funded by the Iranian National Science Foundation, an entity the lawmakers identify as an agent of the Iranian government. They cite at least four such projects since 2020, with one occurring as recently as 2024.
Organ Transplantation Research with PRC-Based Collaborators: Given the well-documented concerns about forced organ harvesting in China, the letter raises questions about the safeguards Harvard has in place for research collaborations involving organ transplantation with individuals based in the People’s Republic of China.
“No American university or college should be assisting the CCP in expanding its influence, oppressing American citizens, or undermining U.S. national security,” Chairman Walberg stated. “Unfortunately, we have found several instances in which Harvard University aided and even collaborated with the CCP – including helping Chinese researchers on military projects funded by the Iranian government. This is unacceptable and President Garber needs to provide answers to Congress for this colossal failure.”
Chairman Moolenaar added, “Harvard-trained members of a sanctioned Chinese paramilitary group responsible for genocide, and its researchers partnered with Chinese military universities on DoD-funded research and worked with researchers funded by the Iranian regime. These are not isolated incidents—they represent a disturbing pattern that puts U.S. national security at risk. The Select Committee’s investigation will deliver answers, expose the truth, and hold Harvard accountable to the American people.”
The lawmakers have issued a comprehensive request for internal documents and testimony from Harvard officials, including Professor Winnie Yip, with a deadline set for June 2, 2025.
The extensive list of requested materials includes communications with blacklisted entities, documents related to partnerships and training events, details of Harvard’s compliance programs, and information regarding safeguards against the misuse of research.
This inquiry adds to the growing pressure on Harvard, which has recently faced criticism regarding antisemitism on campus and subsequent leadership challenges.
The scrutiny of its international ties now presents another significant hurdle for the university’s reputation and potential legal ramifications amid increasing bipartisan concern over foreign influence within American institutions.
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