A recent investigation by House Republicans on the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has revealed troubling connections between Pentagon research funding and Chinese universities and institutes associated with Beijing’s defense industry. The findings raise critical concerns about the oversight of U.S. taxpayer dollars in academic collaborations that intersect with national security issues.
The 80-page report detailed that between June 2023 and June 2025, over 1,400 research papers funded by the Pentagon involved partnerships with Chinese entities. This research was bolstered by nearly 700 defense grants totaling more than $2.5 billion. Alarmingly, more than half of these publications linked to institutions affiliated with China’s defense sector, some of which are on U.S. government watchlists.
The investigation highlighted specific fields of research that have direct military applications, including hypersonic technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and next-generation propulsion systems. Noteworthy examples included a Carnegie Science nuclear scientist who was involved in Pentagon-funded research while simultaneously holding positions at Chinese institutions linked to weapons development. Additionally, collaborations between U.S. universities and Chinese counterparts such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Beihang University focused on decision-making research with potential applications in electronic warfare.
The report critiques existing Defense Department policies, which currently permit unclassified and uncontrolled research, leaving the door open for potential exploitation by foreign militaries. In response to these findings, Committee chairman Representative John Moolenaar (R-Mich) has proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting Pentagon funding for projects associated with Chinese institutions identified as security risks. The proposed bill also seeks to reduce financial support for U.S. universities that maintain joint initiatives with Chinese schools.
Nicholas Kent, a senior official from the Education Department, emphasized the necessity for enhanced transparency regarding universities’ international affiliations to foster a coordinated federal response against foreign influence in research. It is important to note that the committee is not advocating for a complete cessation of U.S.-China academic collaborations, but rather aims to curb those involving entities with military connections.
In contrast, Beijing has portrayed its scientific cooperation initiatives as mutually beneficial. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has not provided any comments regarding the investigation or its implications.
