In a recent episode of “The Daily Signal Podcast,” host Samantha Aschieris welcomed Congressman Aaron Bean of Florida’s 4th Congressional District. Rep. Bean, elected to Congress in 2022, is the chairman of the subcommittee on early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. The conversation centered around a pressing issue that has raised concerns across the nation: the infiltration of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) into American classrooms under the guise of Confucius Classrooms.
What Are Confucius Classrooms?
Confucius Classrooms are centers established by the CCP in American K-12 schools with the purported goal of promoting Chinese culture and language. These initiatives typically involve financial support and volunteer educators provided by China. However, as Rep. Bean explained, what seems like a goodwill effort is, in reality, a front for spreading CCP propaganda and exerting its influence on American students.
Raising Awareness: The Threat to Academic Freedom
Rep. Bean, who expressed concern about China’s global ambitions and its strategic maneuvers, emphasized the need to raise awareness about the CCP’s influence on American education. The CCP’s approach involves soft-pedaling propaganda while whitewashing critical aspects of history, such as Taiwan, Tiananmen Square, the Uyghurs, Tibet, and the Dalai Lama. These omissions aim to shape the minds of young students and portray China in a favorable light.
The Role of “Little Red Classrooms” Report
The discussion drew from a report by Parents Defending Education titled “Little Red Classrooms.” This report identified 143 Confucius Institutes and raised alarms about the CCP’s actions in American schools, particularly those located near military bases. Rep. Bean praised Nicole Neily, who testified during the hearing, for courageously shedding light on this issue. Neily and Parents Defending Education have called attention to the CCP’s efforts to target the children of U.S. service members.
National Security Concerns
One of the primary concerns discussed was national security. Rep. Bean pointed out that allowing an adversary like China to infiltrate American classrooms could have dire consequences. China’s promotion of apps like TikTok, which collect data on American youth, presents a clear security risk. Furthermore, the CCP’s aggressive tactics worldwide, from acquiring mining rights to spreading influence, are cause for alarm.
Geopolitical Interests
Geopolitically, the CCP’s expansion poses a challenge to American interests. Rep. Bean highlighted China’s strategic moves to undermine American influence, raising questions about its intentions. Recent incidents, such as the presence of a Chinese spy balloon near U.S. military bases, further underscore China’s aggressive stance and the need for vigilance.
Protecting Academic Interests
Regarding academic interests, Rep. Bean stressed that China seeks to rewrite history and suppress dissenting narratives. While the focus is on criticizing the CCP, the aim is not to demonize the Chinese people or culture but to expose the government’s attempts to control and manipulate information.
The Path Forward
Rep. Bean discussed potential legislation that would establish reporting requirements for institutions receiving foreign funding. This would enhance transparency and accountability in the face of foreign influence. He also emphasized the importance of universities recognizing China’s infiltration and safeguarding their technology.
Rep. Bean praised the dedication of those committed to protecting American values and freedoms. He encouraged Americans to stay informed and vigilant, as it is crucial to safeguard the nation from bad actors that seek to undermine its foundations. To hear the podcast, go here: CCP in America’s Classrooms
