Columbia University’s decision to revoke official recognition of the largest Chinese student organization in the United States reveals concerns over Chinese government funding, espionage activities, and intimidation of dissidents.
This case sheds light on the broader environment in which academic institutions, political influence, and anti-Japan narratives intersect.

Why Columbia University Revoked Recognition of a Major Chinese Student Organization
2017-02-07

The following is a news report published on April 8, 2015, at
http://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20150408_314208.html

U.S. University Revokes Recognition of Chinese Student Organization over Espionage Concerns

In late March, authorities at Columbia University in New York announced that they had revoked official university recognition of the “Columbia University Chinese Students and Scholars Association,” the largest Chinese student organization in the United States.
The university did not disclose the specific reasons for its decision.
However, reports indicate that the organization violated university regulations by receiving financial support from the Chinese government and being instructed to obtain confidential information within the United States.
This was reported by the U.S. government–affiliated radio broadcaster Voice of America (VOA).

The association was established in 1990 and is the largest Chinese student organization in the United States.
Because Chinese students account for one-third of all international students in New York State, the organization wields a certain degree of influence not only within the Chinese community but also in the state’s academic circles.

In November of the previous year, university authorities warned that the association might be violating university rules and requested corrective action.
However, as no improvements were made even after the new year and into March, the university suddenly announced the revocation of its recognition as a student social organization.

According to VOA, individuals connected to the association stated that many Chinese student and scholar organizations in the United States receive financial support from Chinese diplomatic missions.
The Columbia University association was reportedly provided with substantial funding by the Chinese Consulate General in New York.

These individuals cited the lack of transparency regarding the source of these funds, as well as espionage activities by Chinese students on campus, as reasons for the revocation.

At Columbia University, current officials from the U.S. Department of Defense, the State Department, and other government agencies are invited to teach classes and deliver lectures.
During such occasions, cases have reportedly occurred in which Chinese students approached these officials and attempted to extract sensitive information.

Wang Juntao, a journalist and democracy movement leader residing in the United States who earned his doctorate at Columbia University, told VOA that,
“Cases have increased in which students, acting on the association’s instructions, infiltrate meetings of pro-democracy students and inform on participants. In some cases, those students are forced to return to China.”
He suggested that one reason for the revocation was the university’s concern that the association had become a puppet organization of Chinese authorities.

Alexis Dudden graduated from Columbia University in 1991.
Carol Gluck is the George Sansom Professor of History at Columbia University.