The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), where President Joe Biden’s think tank is located, has recently come under scrutiny for a significant increase in donations from Chinese sources. This influx of funds raises serious concerns about foreign influence on American educational institutions and possible conflicts of interest.
Records obtained by Americans for Public Trust (APT) reveal that UPenn’s donations from China have tripled from $8.6 million to $25 million within a year. This escalation is notable, especially since some of these donations originate from individuals and institutions linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The involvement of CCP-linked donors in funding an institution that houses a think tank affiliated with the sitting U.S. President poses alarming questions about the potential for foreign interference and influence.
This issue becomes even more complex considering the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, located in Washington, D.C., was previously embroiled in controversy over the discovery of classified documents. The spike in Chinese donations to UPenn, in conjunction with the Penn Biden Center’s controversy, underscores the need for increased transparency and scrutiny in foreign contributions to U.S. universities.
APT’s Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland emphasizes the national security implications of such financial contributions. “As America’s adversaries continue threatening U.S. national security interests under President Biden’s watch, it’s no surprise that donations to our colleges and universities from Chinese nationals have continued to surge,” Sutherland told Fox News Digital. She further stresses the urgency for lawmakers to address the growing influence of the CCP on American educational institutions.
The University of Pennsylvania has reportedly amassed nearly $130 million from Chinese donations over five years, a substantial increase from previous years. The donors include figures like Chung-nin Rock Chen, a CCP member, and Kathy Xu, a prominent Chinese businesswoman with deep ties to CCP-affiliated companies.
This pattern of receiving substantial donations from foreign entities with potential government ties is not unique to UPenn but is part of a larger trend among American universities. It raises questions about the independence of these institutions and their vulnerability to foreign influence. This concern is particularly acute given the strategic importance of education and research in national security and economic competitiveness.
The Biden administration’s connection to UPenn and the subsequent increase in Chinese funding to the university is a matter of national concern. It necessitates a rigorous examination of foreign contributions to American educational institutions to ensure that academic integrity and national interests are safeguarded. This situation calls for robust policy responses to monitor and regulate foreign funding in U.S. academia, ensuring transparency and mitigating risks of undue foreign influence.
