DeSantis Proposes Block to Chinese Influence on Education
China has been put on notice by Governor Ron DeSantis, who unveiled a proposal this week to minimize foreign influence and the theft of intellectual property. This policy would apply to China, as well as 6 other countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela.
During a Tallahassee press conference, DeSantis stated the focus of the proposal, “We need to take action, stand firm against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and foreign influence and interference in American research, education, and public affairs.”
Keeping the CCP out of American schools stood out as a primary objective of the proposal.
“The CCP’s mass infiltration and theft of American research is well documented, resulting in numerous arrests at college campuses across the country.” DeSantis continues, saying “It’s high time we tackle these issues and eliminate any tolerance of clandestine foreign influence in our schools.”
A main goal of the proposal will be to refocus attention on state borders, specifically regarding travel to foreign research institutions. Greater attention will also be put on the companies Florida schools partner with, requiring disclosure of any partnerships with the 7 countries of concern identified by DeSantis. Additionally, Schools will also be prohibited from creating any foreign language or cultural programs from these countries, and report all foreign donations greater than $50,000.
“We must ensure that our research, innovation, and talent benefit Florida and benefit our country, not foreign interests like the CCP,” said DeSantis. “Not only is this an issue of establishing barriers to foreign influence, but also a measure of sound fiscal stewardship to ensure tax dollars don’t end up in the hands of the likes of Maduro, Kim Jong Un, or the CCP.”
DeSantis is passionate about this issue because he’s had to deal with issues of foreign interference within his own state. Lin Yang, a former University of Florida professor, was indicted on six counts of wire fraud and four counts of lying to government officials, obtaining over $1.75 million in NIH grants. Regrettably, the investigation was thrown off by a cyber-attack that targeted the case & associated files. Florida House Speaker and leader of the investigation, Chris Sprowls, said, “We found that there are no limits to the depths to which other countries – especially China – will go to steal our science and technology.” He also commented on how our academic institutes are used as tools for manipulation, “Foreign adversaries use our university systems, local governments, research institutions, and companies to intimidate, influence, and steal their way to strategic advantage. Today, we are introducing legislation to combat foreign influence in our public institutions and prevent corporate espionage in Florida.”
Gratefully, Florida has a governor that is taking a pro-active stance on this hot-topic and important intelligence issue. The rest of the country should be watching and taking notes on how the Sunshine State is trying to preserve the integrity of our intellectual property.
It’s about time someone or somebody does something about the theft of intellectual property, foreign interference in our schools K-16. The CCP (China) is the leading proponent of this along with Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria and Russia.
When I worked as a contractor in Southern Maryland we had briefings that included China. The presenter said CCP(China) was our biggest threat. He said they defeat us economically by stealing our intellectual property and use it against us.
There’s something nefarious about a foreign country handing out millions to universities. We already know about theft of intellectual property but its clear there is more at play here. I’m tired of hearing how wonderful China and it’s communist party are. Communism is inherently evil and never considers the individual unless it serves the parties interests. Sick of hearing racism and xenophobia as it applies to communistic countries. The Chinese communist party indoctrinates it’s children and they tend to believe in it as it were a religion. Time to stop the ridiculous claims from the left that protecting America is somehow evil and we don’t know what we know. We’re told our motivations are not about protecting America and it’s businesses and citizenry. If you think im wrong just read a little about how China deals with Muslim immigrants. I’ll never understand the democrats as they beat the drum of China while China has a deplorable record on human rights. If it seems to make no sense then you have begun to understand the politics of the left. Turn everything upside down and inside out. The party of no substance continually manipulates the truth and American voters with ridiculous nonsense and we must stand strong against any and all threats to our way of life.
Very well said! Good on you! The Democrats are now Socialist, some reckon. I reckon, they are full-blown Communist and are in the pocket of the CCP. I remember reading somewhere ten or more years ago that some bright spark had predicted the reality of a million Chinese troops in perfect unison, marching down Broadway Times Sq, New York.
Thank you for taking a stand on this topic. I wish we had
More in government like you.
God is working. We praise and thank Him.
Thank God for DeSantis. Country needs many more heros like him to save our.country..
There’s a rap song out called the CCP. It’s the signature tune of Steve Bannon’s War Room. I rather like the beat and the lyrics.