Harvard’s Alleged Research Security Lapses with Chinese Institutions

Harvard University is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to protect its research collaborations with Chinese institutions, some of which are linked to China’s military and defense sectors, as highlighted in a report from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

Alleged Collaborations with Military-Linked Universities

The report reviewed by Fox News Digital reveals that researchers affiliated with the prestigious Ivy League university co-authored over 140 publications with counterparts from the ‘Seven Sons of National Defense’. These Chinese universities are identified by the Pentagon and U.S. officials as key actors in China’s defense research and military advancement.

The committee argues that Harvard’s lack of stringent research security protocols may have facilitated collaborations that could strengthen China’s technological and military capabilities.

Financial Ties to China

According to the report, Harvard received over $600 million from China, making it the top recipient of Chinese foreign gifts among American universities. These financial ties, as pointed out by the Education Department dashboard, underscore the necessity for rigorous oversight of Harvard’s research partnerships and foreign funding disclosures.

“From allowing violence against anti-China protestors to collaborating with entities linked to the PLA, Harvard has made serious mistakes and must act now to prevent more,” said Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., committee chairman.

Specific Research Cases

The report highlights specific cases, such as a 2023 collaborative paper on bio-inspired soft robots for deep-sea exploration between a Harvard-affiliated researcher and Beihang University, part of the Seven Sons. The research is considered to have potential military uses, like underwater detection. Harvard labeled this project as nonmilitary research, contrary to committee concerns.

Another 2023 research paper authored by Harvard with the National University of Defense Technology, focusing on magnetic materials, received partial support from the U.S. Army Research Office. This paper involved institutions on U.S. restricted lists.

Program with XUAR-Linked Officials

Harvard’s executive education program with China’s National Healthcare Security Administration, according to the report, included participants connected to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 over human rights abuses. While records indicated XPCC-affiliated participation, it is unclear if all listed officials attended.

Organizers, such as Harvard professor Winnie Yip, claimed unawareness of XPCC’s sanctioned status and reported not receiving sanctions compliance training.

Calls for Reevaluation and Reform

The report critiques Harvard for narrowly focusing on legal compliance without considering broader national security risks, particularly in projects with Chinese military-connected institutions. It cites testimony from Harvard research official John H. Shaw, who noted that collaborations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis without a blanket prohibition on work involving robotics or Chinese partners.

Harvard Global Research and Allegations

The committee questions the role of Harvard Global Research and Support Services, alleging it might be used to bypass federal reporting requirements for foreign gifts. Harvard has not commented on these allegations.

Recommendations

The report advises Harvard to prohibit research partnerships with entities on U.S. restricted or sanctioned lists and to centralize its research security oversight. It also encourages Congress to enhance foreign funding disclosure requirements for universities.