U.S. News
US Defense Grants Tied to China Alarm Lawmakers
Clear Facts
- At least 14 US defense research projects funded by IARPA since 2017 involved researchers affiliated with Chinese government, military, and surveillance institutions.
- A Michigan State University faculty member leading an $11 million IARPA program collaborated with Chinese entities tied to the People’s Liberation Army.
- IARPA-funded datasets and research were used by Chinese organizations, including the PLA, for projects that present national security risks, according to experts.
Recent findings show American intelligence grants have benefited researchers with ties to Chinese government and military entities, raising alarm about technology transfers.
National security experts warn these collaborations allow adversaries access to sensitive US defense research.
“These studies reveal a deliberate effort by China’s intelligence and public security apparatus, alongside military-affiliated entities, to extract lessons, methodologies, and technical knowledge from IARPA-funded programs,” the report warns.
“This includes attempts to reverse-engineer research outputs, replicate experimental designs, and adapt U.S. Intelligence Community technologies for use in China’s mass surveillance apparatus and strategic military capabilities.”
L.J. Eads, who helped author the report, stated collaborating with researchers tied to adversarial nations like China poses significant risk to US intelligence and defense development.
“What I found most concerning was the sheer number of IARPA funded projects that IARPA itself describes as having clear Intelligence Community value that have involved — and in some cases continue to involve — Chinese institutions and companies, including personnel directly tied to the People’s Liberation Army,” said Eads.
The Office of Director of National Intelligence and IARPA have not responded to requests for comment on these reports.
One case in 2024 shows a lead investigator on IARPA’s BRIAR program at Michigan State University collaborating with Chinese military-linked institutions.
This BRIAR project seeks to develop biometric detection and tracking software supporting US counterterrorism and military efforts.
The same investigator worked with Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in China on related research, an institution reported to have deep links to China’s military sector.
He also collaborated with the deputy director of China’s liaison office in Hong Kong, who has been added to the US list of blocked persons for links to sanctioned countries.
Former US Ambassador Joseph Cella reviewed the findings and commented that these ties represent “grave national security threats.”
“It is critical to the US and its Free World allies to do a deep-dive self-assessment and begin the process of de-risking, and in some sectors, de-coupling,” said Cella.
In another documented case, Chinese PLA researchers and US academics used IARPA’s BABEL Program data in work related to speech recognition.
The PLA’s Unit 62315, involved in one of these studies, also filed a patent in China based on IARPA-provided datasets.
The report highlights that such activities show clear Chinese military interest in exploiting American technology for strategic advantage.
National security stakeholders urge immediate tighter controls and limits on foreign involvement in sensitive US defense research.
Stay informed on security threats and America’s defense integrity by following reliable, fact-driven journalism.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
