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What Are China's Military Universities Up To This Week? (Dec. 20, 2024)

What Are China's Military Universities Up To This Week? (Dec. 20, 2024)

The projects, partners, and publications of the Seven Sons of National Defense.

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Ben Forney
Dec 20, 2024
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What Are China's Military Universities Up To This Week? (Dec. 20, 2024)
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What Are China's Military Universities Up To This Week? (Dec. 20, 2024)

A detailed depiction of a Chinese university laboratory where students and researchers are collaboratively designing a satellite. The lab features high-tech equipment such as computer workstations, satellite models, and technical diagrams on the walls. Researchers are seen working on electronic components of the satellite, while others are analyzing data on large screens. The room is brightly lit, showcasing modern engineering tools and a mix of traditional Chinese cultural elements, such as calligraphy scrolls or a Chinese flag in the background. The atmosphere is dynamic, emphasizing teamwork and innovation.

Following the high level of interest in this topic, this week I’ve returned to tracking the activities of China’s “Seven Sons of National Defense” universities across the web, documenting their recent partnerships, publications, and initiatives. These universities have deep ties to China’s military and defense sector, and some have even been implicated in economic espionage operations. The U.S. government has labeled them as high-risk institutions, and their students have been barred from studying in the United States since 2020.

Yet, despite these restrictions, the universities continue to pursue partnerships with companies and institutions worldwide. Understanding their activities is critical for policymakers, consultants, and businesses managing the reputational and security risks that come with affiliations to Chinese military-linked entities.

Keep reading to learn which university signed agreements with some of France’s most prestigious research institutes and cutting edge tech companies, which university collaborated with Huawei to establish an “innovation incubation center,” and which university helped develop and launch a satellite involved in high-speed laser communication.

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