‘Warm hospitality’: University president has repeatedly cozied up to top CCP officials

The recent appointment of Chen Li as the consul general of the People’s Republic of China in New York has raised eyebrows due to his close relationship with Kean University President Lamont Repollet. Li, who replaced a controversial official with deep ties to top New York Democrats, recently took to social media to praise Repollet for his warm hospitality during a visit to the university.

Repollet, who previously served as New Jersey’s commissioner of education under Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, has developed deep ties to China over the years. Most recently, he visited Beijing to give a keynote speech at the Triennial Conference of the International Association of University Presidents. His speech emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in fostering equity in education and supporting student success.

Chinese state media has also highlighted Repollet’s relationship with China, with President Xi Jinping personally responding to a letter from the Kean University president. Xi praised the cooperation between Wenzhou-Kean University, a joint Chinese-American institution, and encouraged further educational exchanges between the two countries.

Repollet’s ties to China have only strengthened since he became president of Kean University. He has made multiple visits to China, including attending the university’s inaugural commencement as a member of the board of trustees. Additionally, he has participated in events celebrating Chinese holidays alongside Chinese officials.

However, Repollet’s close relationship with China has raised concerns among some experts. Michael Sobolik, author of “Countering China’s Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance,” warned that this relationship is a “cautionary tale.” He highlighted the lack of acknowledgment of China’s human rights abuses, including the Uyghur genocide, by Kean University.

Repollet’s ties to China have also drawn comparisons to the former consul general Huang Ping, who was known for promoting CCP propaganda and denying human rights abuses. Ping had close relationships with top New York Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Overall, Repollet’s close relationship with China has sparked concerns about the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in American institutions. As the Biden and Trump administrations have warned about CCP influence, the ties between Repollet and China highlight the need for vigilance and scrutiny in educational and diplomatic exchanges.