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University of Michigan Ends Two-Decade Partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Over Security Concerns

Jan 11, 2025, 03:39 AM

The University of Michigan has announced it will terminate its two-decade partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, citing national security concerns. The decision, confirmed by University President Santa J. Ono on January 10, follows months of scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, including a letter from Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. The joint institute, established in 2005, facilitated academic exchanges and engineering programs between the two universities. Concerns arose after five Chinese students in the program were charged in October 2023 with suspicious activities near a U.S. military site. The university emphasized its commitment to national security and stated it will better vet visa requirements for international students. The partnership termination, which will take six months to complete, aligns with broader moves by U.S. universities to sever ties with Chinese institutions over fears of aiding China's military capabilities. U.S. lawmakers also highlighted the Chinese university's role in the military-civil fusion strategy.