CONGRESSMEN JOE WILSON AND RALPH NORMAN LEAD CHARGE IN CLOSING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE

Today, the University of South Carolina (UofSC) announced plans to officially close the Confucius Institute (CI) on their campus. UofSC made the decision to close the CI over increasing national concerns regarding China and the role of the CI, impact of the CI on other important University federal funding initiatives and priorities, and concerns raised by important University stakeholders. This stakeholder effort was spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5), and supported by U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-3), U.S. Rep. Tom Rice (SC-7), U.S. Rep. William Timmons (SC-4), and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-1).

Rep. Wilson issued the following statement:

"I applaud the decision of the University of South Carolina, with the leadership of President Bob Caslen, to terminate their relationship with the Confucius Institute. It is no secret that these Institutes have been propaganda arms of the Chinese Communist Party. In 2009, Li Changchun, the head of propaganda for the CCP called Confucius Institutes ‘an important part of China's overseas propaganda set-up.' FBI Director Christopher Wray testified ‘[Confucius Institutes] are exploiting the very open research and development environment we have, which we all revere. But they're taking advantage of it.'

Since originally expressing concern over the Institute in March 2018, I have appreciated the continued dialogue and open discussion with the University. There is too much at stake in South Carolina and at the University to forgo taking preventative measures when it comes it our academic independence, intellectual property, and national intelligence."

Rep. Norman added:

"Today, I am proud to announce that the University of South Carolina has decided to close their resident Confucius Institute. This is a crucial step in safeguarding our homeland from the threats of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Along with my colleague Congressman Joe Wilson and the GOP South Carolina delegation, I rejoice in this victory against communist disinformation.

The CCP is the greatest threat to the American way of life. They deal in duplicity at home, abroad, and even right here in the United States. Across more than fifty of our college campuses the propaganda arm of the CCP has planted surrogates known as "Confucius Institutes" that serve as a vehicle to spread lies and obfuscate the evils of the CCP. Now only one remains in South Carolina at Presbyterian College, my alma matter."

Rep. Rice stated:

"I am pleased to see that the University of South Carolina, my alma mater, has closed its Confucius Institute. The CCP has exploited the openness of American universities to further their agenda of suppressing democracy, threatening our national security, stealing our technological innovations, and undercutting our workers. We must continue to do all we can to safeguard American institutions, preserve our competitive edge from unfair competition, and hold malign actors accountable."

Background:

Since 2004, Confucius Institutes have operated at universities and colleges both in the United States and internationally. In 2018, there were more than 100 Institutes operating in the United States. Growing scrutiny from national security experts and research conducted on these Institutes has only increased concern over these Chinese Communist Party (CCP) facades. Consequently, approximately 50 CIs remain operational in the U.S., including one remaining in South Carolina at Presbyterian College.

Confucius Institutes are run by the Hanban - an organization affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education. While advertising itself as a nonprofit organization, the Hanban is run by CCP officials, with representatives from 12 top Chinese state agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Press and Publishing Administration (a propaganda bureau), sitting on its executive council.

The closure of the CI on UofSC's campus marks a crucial step in stopping the spread of dangerous disinformation. Our American institutions should not have influential ties or be controlled by foreign adversaries.

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