A new investigation by the Daily Caller News Foundation reveals that members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are quietly operating “overseas party branches” on American university campuses. These branches are linked to Chinese universities and serve as ideological and political arms of the CCP—embedded directly within U.S. institutions of higher learning. The report uncovers evidence of propaganda, indoctrination, and deep institutional cooperation, all happening without proper disclosure or oversight.
The investigation identifies multiple CCP “overseas party branches” connected to schools such as Oklahoma State University, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and the University of Colorado–Denver. These CCP units are not formally registered student organizations on campus, yet continue to meet and promote communist ideology under the radar. CCP members involved are enrolled in dual-degree or exchange programs and use these arrangements to advance the Party’s objectives.
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, students from China’s Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) participate in a “3+1” program. While on American soil, these students organize ideological lectures, engage in political training, and receive instructions to “tell China’s story well”—a phrase often used by the Chinese government to frame propaganda efforts. Similarly, China Agricultural University (CAU) maintains active partnerships with Oklahoma State and the University of Colorado–Denver. These programs have produced organized “study meetings” and “thematic education events” promoting Marxist thought and Party loyalty.
The CCP’s reach into American universities raises serious national security and academic freedom concerns. These branches operate without disclosure to the host institutions, exploiting the openness of the American educational system. Experts warn that such efforts not only enable technology transfer and research exploitation but also inject foreign political agendas into U.S. academic spaces.
This revelation comes as federal officials and lawmakers grow increasingly concerned over Chinese espionage, influence operations, and ideological subversion. While American institutions claim to promote diversity and global engagement, they may have unknowingly allowed foreign authoritarian agents to spread propaganda and undermine national interests.
