On Oct. 23, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had classified Confucius Institutes as threats to U.S. national security.
Reuters described the institutes as Chinese-funded cultural centers on U.S. university campuses. Hegseth announced the designation in a video posted on social media.
Hegseth alleged that 80 new propaganda cells had surfaced at 30 universities under different names and institutional arrangements. He characterized the alleged cells as efforts to take U.S. research and shape students’ views. He said the Pentagon had dismantled each of the cells he identified during the two months before his announcement.
Reuters reported that U.S. officials have challenged the institutes for years, alleging propaganda ties and taking measures to restrict them.
Reuters said it had sought comment from China’s embassy in Washington but had received no immediate response.
