A report from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party indicates that Harvard University has co-authored over 140 publications with researchers affiliated with Chinese institutions, some of which are linked to China's military. The report, which was reviewed prior to its public release, highlights concerns regarding Harvard's research collaborations and financial ties to China, including more than $600 million received under the federal Section 117 foreign-gift disclosure system.
The 'Seven Sons of National Defense' universities, identified by the Pentagon as key to China's defense research, are mentioned in the report. The committee argues that Harvard's approach to research security has allowed collaborations that may enhance China's military capabilities. The report cites specific examples, including a paper on bio-inspired soft robots co-authored with Beihang University, which has been on the Commerce Department's Entity List since 2001.
Additionally, the report discusses Harvard's executive education program with China's National Healthcare Security Administration, which trained Chinese health officials. It notes that officials affiliated with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps were listed in connection with some sessions, although it remains unclear if they attended.
The committee criticized Harvard's research-security practices for focusing too narrowly on legal compliance and not adequately addressing national security risks. It recommends that Harvard prohibit research relationships with entities on U.S. government restricted lists and centralize its research-security oversight, while also urging Congress to strengthen foreign-funding disclosure requirements for universities.