Defense Secretary Hegseth Designates Confucius Institutes National Security Threats
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Department of Defense has dismantled 80 Chinese-funded propaganda cells across 30 U.S. universities to protect national security.
Pete Hegseth, the United States Defense Secretary, announced on October 23 that the Department of Defense has designated Confucius Institutes as threats to U.S. national security. These Chinese-funded cultural centers, located on university campuses, were identified as vehicles for foreign influence and espionage.
Hegseth alleged that 80 new "propaganda cells" had emerged across 30 universities. He stated these organizations used various names and charters to steal intellectual property and "infiltrate the minds of American students."
The Defense Department reported that it has systematically dismantled these organizations over the last two months. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the designation.
