China’s Hidden Grip on U.S. Schools Exposed

A new legislative push aims to restrict Chinese Communist influence in U.S. schools, echoing conservative concerns over foreign control and national security.

Story Snapshot

Chinese influence in U.S. education is framed as a strategic threat.
Legislation introduced to curb Chinese-linked entities in schools.
Retired Gen. Flynn describes the situation as a “war” for control.
Concerns over data privacy and propaganda in educational content.

Chinese Influence in U.S. Education: A Strategic Threat?

The influence of Chinese government-linked entities in U.S. education has raised alarms among conservative circles and national security experts. The establishment of Confucius Institutes (CIs) and Confucius Classrooms, which are funded by entities under the Chinese Ministry of Education, has been criticized as a method for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to expand its influence. These institutes, once prevalent on over 100 U.S. campuses, have been labeled by U.S. officials as outposts of CCP propaganda. Though nearly all have closed or rebranded under congressional and executive pressure, successor entities maintain relationships with many universities.

In recent years, Chinese education and tech companies have increased their presence in the U.S. educational sector. Notably, TAL Education Group’s acquisition of Epic! Creations, a digital library used by 94% of U.S. elementary schools, has prompted national security concerns over data access and content control. In response, U.S. senators have called for a Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review to assess the risks posed by these acquisitions, emphasizing the potential for CCP access to children’s data and influence over educational materials.

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Legislative Actions Against CCP Influence

Recent legislative efforts aim to curtail CCP influence in U.S. educational institutions. The House recently passed the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act (H.R. 881), which targets higher education institutions with ties to CIs or CCP-linked entities. This act seeks to condition or restrict Department of Homeland Security funding to these institutions. Additionally, a separate bill aims to block CCP influence in K-12 classrooms by prohibiting public schools from accepting funds or entering contracts with Chinese government or CCP-linked entities.

In Florida, the Department of Education suspended four schools owned by Spring Education Group from a school-choice scholarship program after an investigation revealed ties to a CCP-linked operator. Governor Ron DeSantis framed this action as a necessary step to prevent communist ideology from taking root in Florida’s education system and to ensure tax dollars do not support CCP-linked schools.

Flynn’s “War” Rhetoric and Public Concerns

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn has been vocal about the threat posed by CCP activities in U.S. education, characterizing it as a “war” for control over America and its institutions. While his rhetoric is not an official government position, it resonates with many conservatives who view CCP influence as a strategic and ideological threat. This perspective is further fueled by concerns over data privacy and the potential for indoctrination through educational content controlled by Chinese-linked entities.

The broader conservative narrative frames CCP activity in U.S. education as part of a strategic influence and espionage campaign, rather than mere cultural or commercial engagement. This view is reinforced by the use of war-like language by some commentators, who describe educational influence as infiltration and indoctrination. As legislative measures progress, the debate over CCP influence in U.S. education continues to be a contentious and critical issue for policymakers and the public alike.