Confucius Institute closed at US university amid concerns about Chinese influence on campuses
The University of North Florida announced the closure of the Chinese-run Confucius Institute, citing nonalignment with the mission and goals of the university. Politicians on both sides of the isle have criticized the Institute as an effort by China to expand political influence in U.S. universities and enable censorship of opinions critical of the Chinese government. The Confucius Institute still operate over 100 centers across the US, and a number of universities have severed formal connection to it, including Pennsylvania State and University of Chicago after “professors complained its programs were Chinese propaganda wrapped in culture and language education.”