Harvard under fire for ties to Chinese paramilitary group and Iranian regime

Harvard University is under scrutiny from key House Republicans who are demanding answers regarding allegations that the prestigious institution trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group and collaborated with researchers linked to Iran. In a recent letter, Reps. John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, and Elise Stefanik requested internal documents and communications from Harvard officials to shed light on the university’s partnerships with foreign adversaries.

The lawmakers expressed concern over Harvard’s repeated hosting and training of members of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a paramilitary organization sanctioned by the U.S. government for its involvement in the Chinese Communist Party’s oppression of Uyghur Muslims. Furthermore, the letter highlighted Harvard’s alleged use of Department of Defense funding to engage in research partnerships with Chinese universities that could have military applications.

Between 2020 and 2024, Harvard researchers collaborated on several projects funded by an agent of the Iranian regime, raising red flags about potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws. Additionally, Harvard’s China Health Partnership reportedly conducted healthcare policy training sessions that included XPCC officials, a fact that was publicized by Chinese government outlets.

The lawmakers emphasized the possibility that services and resources provided by Harvard through these events may have been used by XPCC to further oppress ethnic minorities in China. Harvard responded to the letter, stating, “We can confirm receipt and will respond to the Chairs’ letter.”

Specific research collaborations mentioned in the letter included projects on zero-indexed materials with Tsinghua University faculty, polymer science research with a Zhejiang University professor, and shape memory alloys research with Huazhong University faculty – all funded by various U.S. government agencies. The lawmakers raised concerns about Harvard researchers contributing to the military capabilities of potential adversaries and working with Chinese military-linked institutions on dual-use technologies.

Furthermore, the lawmakers expressed unease over Harvard’s organ transplant research involving collaborators based in China, citing international scrutiny of China’s forced organ harvesting practices. Rep. Moolenaar underscored the need for accountability, stating, “Harvard’s actions pose a risk to U.S. national security, and the Select Committee’s investigation aims to uncover the truth and hold Harvard accountable to the American people.”

This investigation highlights the importance of transparency and responsible collaboration in academic research partnerships to uphold national security interests. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for institutions like Harvard to uphold ethical standards and prioritize compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.