Harvard’s speaker for its 2025 launch, “Luangna” Yurong Jiang, has connections to a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organization closely aligned with China’s military and intelligence operations. Jiang, a Kennedy School graduate, appeared to make comments that were critical of the Trump administration during her commencement speech. Before her time at Harvard, she volunteered with the International Bureau of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) from around 2018 to 2022. This organization, as cited by Chinese national media translated by DCNF, is under CCP management and has signed agreements with a Chinese military department.
In addition, CBCGDF has links to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), which is involved in various Chinese internal and external operations. Jiang is said to have even provided a letter of recommendation for admission to Harvard. Gordon Chang, a Chinese expert and author, commented that while Harvard is a prestigious institution, its collaborations should not allow it to be used by entities threatening American interests.
Neither Harvard nor CBCGDF responded to requests for comment from DCNF, and Jiang was unavailable for direct contact.
“The fate of students from overseas”
In her speech, Jiang remarked, “Humanity rises and falls as one,” denoting a sense of urgency regarding global connectedness and its current fragmentation. “If we still believe in a shared future, don’t forget who we label as enemies; they are human too,” she added, suggesting that understanding rather than division should prevail.
Harvard Crimson described Jiang’s remarks as a significant defense of international diversity amidst concerns about the Trump administration’s stance on foreign students.
Harvard’s connections with the Chinese government have come under sharper scrutiny recently. For instance, in December 2021, a former Harvard chemistry professor was convicted for failing to disclose his involvement with Chinese tech transfer programs. The House Select Committee stated that Harvard has repeatedly hosted members of a CCP-affiliated paramilitary group responsible for actions against Uyghurs, leading the Department of Homeland Security to revoke the university’s authorization to host foreign students. Although a federal judge intervened to block this ban.
Chang emphasized that if Harvard poses a threat to the U.S., measures should be taken to revoke its charter, suggesting that other institutions could potentially take over its responsibilities.
“Proxy for CCP profit”
The CBCGDF describes itself on its website as a national nonprofit focusing on biodiversity conservation and green development. However, it allegedly operates under CCP control and has robust ties with China’s military and intelligence networks.
Founded in 1985, CBCGDF was set up by Lu Zhengcao, who has served in various leadership roles within the Chinese political structure. The organization is believed to be closely tied to the United Front work, a campaign of the Chinese Communist Party aimed at advancing its influence.
Furthermore, there are ongoing connections noted between CBCGDF and various entities involved in China’s overseas influence strategies, with some individuals linking back to prominent Chinese military contractors.
In a recent announcement, CBCGDF mentioned establishing an internal branch associated with UFWD, reflecting its continued role within the broader CCP framework.
“Chairman Xi Jinping’s call”
Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary General of CBCGDF, has indicated that Jiang’s journey to Harvard was indeed supported by ties to the Chinese government. Jiang was involved with CBCGDF for several years and participated in international meetings focusing on environmental conservation, which sometimes intersected with broader Chinese national goals.
With Jiang’s family also part of the narrative—her father contributed significantly to establishing CBCGDF’s special fund—these links only deepen the implication that her ties might align with Chinese interests.
Reports suggest that Zhou has a history of engagement with Harvard and discussions around U.S.-China education, with some of these dialogues involving defense contractors associated with the Chinese military.
All this paints a complex picture of Jiang’s academic and professional journey, suggesting that her involvement may reflect broader geopolitical narratives in the context of education and international relations.
