Pentagon Projects with China: Investigating National Security Risks

Recent investigations reveal troubling connections between U.S. Defense Department-funded research and Chinese universities, prompting serious discussions regarding national security risks. A report from the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party highlights that numerous academic projects may inadvertently bolster China's military capabilities through their association with entities linked to the defense industry. The findings suggest that these partnerships could significantly aid China in advancing military technology. As stated in the report, "American taxpayer dollars should be used to defend the nation — not strengthen its foremost strategic competitor." This ongoing concern is raised amidst intensified technological competition between the United States and China. Investigative Findings on Research Collaborations In the past decade, collaborations between U.S. and Chinese academic institutions reportedly received significant federal funding, which has facilitated China’s development of critical technologies. This situation has led some universities, seeking to avoid controversies, to terminate their contracts with Chinese organizations. Specifically, the report draws attention to research efforts supported by over $2.5 billion in Defense Department grants from June 2023 to June 2025, with more than 1,400 published papers having ties to Chinese entities. Notably, over half of these publications involve organizations associated with China’s defense sector. One case involving a geophysicist affiliated with Carnegie Science illustrates the issue. This individual engaged in Pentagon-funded research while also being linked to Chinese institutions, conducting work relevant to high-energy materials vital for nuclear development. However, Carnegie Science contends the research was basic and unclassified, funded through the National Science Foundation rather than the Pentagon. Additionally, there have been joint projects involving Arizona State University and the University of Texas in collaboration with Chinese universities, focusing on research applicable to electronic warfare and cyber defense. Policy Recommendations and Legislative Proposals The report strongly criticizes existing policies that permit research partnerships with foreign entities deemed risky by the U.S. government. Proposed policy changes include a ban on any collaborations with Chinese institutions linked to military activities. In response to these concerns, Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan has introduced legislation aimed at preventing Defense Department funding from supporting initiatives involving Chinese entities identified as safety threats. A representative from the Education Department acknowledged the importance of these findings, emphasizing the necessity of increasing transparency concerning international partnerships at U.S. universities and reinforcing measures against foreign influence. It should be noted that while the investigation seeks to limit specific academic collaborations linked to China’s defense sector, it does not call for an outright cessation of all scholarly partnerships with China.