University of Michigan to End Two-Decade Partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University

By Kai January 13, 2025
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The University of Michigan has announced it will end its two-decade-long partnership with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The decision, confirmed by President Santa J. Ono, follows discussions with internal stakeholders and US congressional leadership.

This move comes after the release of a House Select Committee report, which raised national security concerns regarding the collaboration. The report highlighted the strategic competition between the Chinese Communist Party and the US, with concerns about the partnership’s implications for US security. Committee chair U.S. Representative John Moolenaar of Michigan also expressed concerns to the university.

President Ono commented, “While international academic partnerships have enriched our academic offerings and strengthened global education, we must prioritise our commitment to national security.” Despite this, the university remains committed to fostering international academic partnerships, continuing to offer global learning experiences, and supporting international students on its campus.

The collaboration between the University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University included a joint institute that offered accredited engineering degree programmes in English. This institute provided dual-degree programmes, academic exchanges, and study-abroad opportunities, benefiting over 1,000 undergraduate students over the years.

Ono also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting international students and faculty, stating, “International experiences are vital for our students in this interconnected world. We remain dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and ensuring a vibrant campus community.”

This decision marks a significant shift in the University of Michigan’s international partnerships, as it prioritises national security while continuing to engage in academic collaborations worldwide.

Source: SHIKSHA

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