Confucius Institutes continue to close

At least fifteen U.S. universities have chosen to close their Confucius Institutes as of May 1, 2019. In the cases of Rhode Island and Indiana University, closing their Confucius Institute was reported to be a move to protect Defense Department funding. The University of Missouri closed its Confucius Institute due to visa concerns raised by the U.S. State Department. Two U.S. governmental reports question who actually controls the Institutes, raising particular concern about the requirement of an Assistant Director who is Chinese. The continued closure of Confucius Institutes reflects increasing suspicion and isolation related to both restriction of academic freedom as well as a defense agains intellectual theft.

By contrast, after significant study of its Confucius Institute, Tufts University has committed to continuing its partnership for at least another 2 years.