Taiwan has taken a strong step to protect its national security by imposing sanctions on seven Chinese universities. These institutions are linked to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and play a key role in advancing military technology. The move means that Taiwanese universities and research institutions are now banned from any academic exchanges or partnerships with these universities.
According to Taiwan’s Minister of Education, the decision is meant to safeguard crucial technologies and prevent security risks. The affected universities, often called the “seven sons of China’s national defense,” were initially founded by China’s Ministry of National Defense. They were later placed under the control of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, making them highly involved in military research.
Taiwanese authorities fear that sharing knowledge with these institutions could lead to the development of military equipment that might be used against them. The ban is also meant to keep students and researchers from unknowingly becoming part of activities that could threaten Taiwan’s security. The government has assured that it will provide clear information to students and parents to help them make informed decisions about their education.
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This latest decision follows a broader pattern of measures taken by Taiwan to reduce security risks associated with Chinese institutions. In recent years, Taiwan has tightened restrictions on academic exchanges, technological collaborations, and joint research programs with Chinese organizations. Authorities emphasize that these steps are necessary to protect sensitive knowledge from being exploited for military purposes.
The 7 Sanctioned Universities and Their Role in Military Research
The seven universities that have been sanctioned include:
- Beihang University
- Beijing Institute of Technology
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Nanjing University of Science and Technology
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin Engineering University
These universities specialize in fields like aviation, telecommunications, chemicals, and materials science. Their research is closely tied to the Chinese military, making them vital in developing weapons, defense systems, and advanced technology.
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Since 2020, even the United States has restricted its students and researchers from studying or working at these institutions due to similar security concerns. The FBI has warned that China uses academic exchanges to access sensitive technology and information. The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Commerce had already sanctioned these universities in 2018 and 2020 as part of their efforts to prevent technology theft.
Beyond their academic programs, these institutions are known for conducting classified research projects in collaboration with China’s military. They work on advanced missiles, drones, and cyber warfare technologies, making them key players in China’s defense strategy. This level of involvement in military development has raised alarm among Western governments and their allies, including Taiwan.
Taiwan Rejects Degrees from Chinese Military Universities
In addition to sanctioning these seven universities, Taiwan has also refused to recognize academic degrees from three universities directly operated by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). These include:
- National University of Defense Technology
- Naval Medical University
- Air Force University
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These institutions are considered to be at the core of China’s military education and research. Even though they are part of Beijing’s prestigious Project 985 and Project 211, which aim to improve the quality of higher education, Taiwan does not acknowledge their degrees.
Taiwan’s government fears that individuals with degrees from these universities may be trained in areas that could pose a risk to national security. The education ministry has stressed that many students make uninformed choices due to a lack of information. To prevent this, Taiwan has stepped up efforts to provide accurate details about the risks of studying at these institutions.
By refusing to acknowledge degrees from these PLA-operated universities, Taiwan aims to limit the professional influence of individuals trained in China’s military-backed education system. This policy ensures that graduates from these institutions do not enter Taiwan’s workforce in critical fields such as engineering, telecommunications, and defense-related industries.
This latest move by Taiwan adds to ongoing tensions with China, as both sides remain locked in a long-standing political and military standoff. By imposing these sanctions, Taiwan is making it clear that it will take strong measures to protect its academic and technological sectors from potential threats.
