The University of Montana (UMT) has come under fire from Republican lawmakers in the state after it defended a program that allows groups with ties to the Chinese Communist Party to host and pay for student trips to China.
UMT offers a controversial study abroad program in China called “CUSEF Cultural Exchange,” which state lawmakers have raised national security concerns about and which funds the trip. The group claims to be “an arm of the Chinese Communist Party's approach to influencing operations.” ”
The program is partnering with two organizations affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party for the upcoming summer trip. The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) is an influential operation described by lawmakers as “a forum designed to advance the objectives of the Chinese Communist Party.” S. Baucus Institute. Founded by Max Baucus, a former Montana Democratic senator and former ambassador to China, the Baucus Institute is heavily funded by the Wanxiang Group, and its co-founder Lu Guanqiu is a “national excellence He was awarded the title “Communist Party Member”.
The Montana Republican Party is calling for all ties with CUSEF to be “terminated,” but the university has defended its partnership, adding to the concerns of state lawmakers who believe the threat should be taken more seriously. It's increasing.
Democratic lawmaker attends New York New Year event hosted by Chinese Communist Party-affiliated consulate: “deeply concerned''
The University of Montana offers study abroad programs in China in collaboration with the China-U.S. Exchange Foundation. (Justin Sullivan)
Governor Greg Gianforte said, “Like many Montanans, I am deeply concerned about the Chinese Communist Party's ability to funnel money to American universities, including those in Montana, and to target, spy on, and influence our educational institutions. “We are concerned. The Chinese Communist Party is not our friend.” Republican Mont., said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Member of Parliament [Ryan] “Sinke University remains concerned and disappointed that Sinke University is not taking the Chinese threat seriously,” Heather Swift, a spokeswoman for Sinke University, said in a statement. “They depend on influencing the public and normalizing their misinformation campaigns.” Programs like those offered at UM are a means of propaganda. ”
In early December, Republican Montana Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale co-signed a letter to UMT President Seth Bodnar with the House Select Committee on the Communist Party of China, calling for support from Chinese groups to Montana students. expressed concern over the involvement of the university and requested that the university cancel the program. That curriculum. However, the university continues to promote summer trips to China.
In a House letter to Bodnar, co-signed by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., the lawmakers said CUSEF ”A major united front forum designed to advance the Chinese Communist Party's goals within China and abroad. Tung Chee-hwa, CUSEF's founder and long-time chairman, is vice-chairman of the CPPCC and is clearly aligned with the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. Since the 1980s, Mr. Tong has represented the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong and, as its first chief executive, pushed for the draconian national security legislation we see today. ”
Fox News Digital has previously reported on Chifa's close relationship with President Biden's clean energy czar John Podesta, who has repeatedly called him a “friend” and in past emails called him “the greatest.” I have the utmost respect.”
A spokesperson said:[Rep. Ryan] Zinke remains concerned and disappointed that the university is not taking the Chinese threat seriously.” (Drew Angerer)
“Given the Chinese Communist Party's negative influence, the findings of the Chinese Communist Party Task Force are alarming and merit further investigation,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) told Fox News Digital. said.
Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.
When asked why UMT decided to continue partnering with an organization tied to the Chinese Communist Party when universities such as the University of Texas have refused to accept funding from the organization, the university said sent an article reflecting the statement sent to news organizations.
South Carolina Governor Haleys partners with Chinese Communist Party-affiliated group to send 20 students to Beijing summer camp
The UMT president said the visit to China complied with state and federal law and that “rather than shrinking opportunities, it is our responsibility to expand the learning experiences for our students so that America can compete and win in the world.” .
Max Baucus (left), the US ambassador to China at the time, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Alex Wong)
“As a former special forces member, I understand firsthand the threat to freedom posed by foreign adversaries,” Bodnar told the outlet. “This program is fully compliant with state and federal law.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The dates for the next trip to China have not yet been determined, but the program's advertisement states that all accommodation, meals and travel insurance will be covered by CUSEF Group.
