Congressional Scrutiny on Alfred University’s Hypersonic Research Tied to Confucius Institute and China Partnership
Alfred University in upstate New York is facing congressional scrutiny for its hypersonic missile research funded by federal grants, due to its collaboration with the China University of Geosciences and hosting a Confucius Institute. Representative Mike Gallagher raised concerns in a letter to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, questioning the Pentagon's contract award despite a prohibition on funding institutions with Confucius Institutes.
Alfred is set to receive USD 13.5 million through 2027 for research on ceramic materials for hypersonic weapons. Gallagher's letter requested information on safeguarding sensitive military research, while the Pentagon stated it would respond appropriately.
Alfred University has received over USD 540,000 in grants from the Chinese government between 2009 and 2021. A 2019 bipartisan report found no evidence of espionage linked to Confucius Institutes.
