A number of Scottish universities benefitting from Chinese state funding

Multiple universities across Scotland have received millions of pounds worth of funding from the Chinese state and related bodies in the last four years.

The University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Heriot Watt University, University of Aberdeen, and University of Strathclyde were all said to have received funding from China.

Following an investigation, the Mail Online suggested that it raised concerns “about their potential use as a vehicle for the Chinese state to inveigle its way into UK affairs”.

The aforementioned funding arrives in universities through various Confucius Institutes established at a number of Scotland’s leading sites.

These Institutes are intended to be centres for promotion of Chinese culture in Scotland, with Glasgow University describing the purpose of its branch as to “promote a contemporary understanding of China”.

The Daily Mail said its investigation revealed investment by the Chinese state and related parties in a number of universities’ Confucius Institutes.  This included the University of Strathclyde, which it said has received £1,610,424 since 2020.

The University of Aberdeen is also said to have received £334,630 in funding to its Institute from Hanban and Wuhan Universities, whilst the University of Edinburgh received £1,473,593 from Fudan University.

Fellow Edinburgh institution, Heriot Watt University was also said to have received approximately £500,000 to its Confucius Institute via the International Education Foundation and Tianjin University in the last four years.

Overall, Scottish Confucius Institutes are known to have received £3,975,461 in investment from China and “partner sources that may have an interest in furthering Chinese causes and values”, but with Glasgow University’s figures unknown, the number could be higher.

Abden House, home of Edinburgh University’s Confucius Institute 

Image via Edinburgh Global (University of Edinburgh)

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However, the UK’s Intelligence and Security Committee is said to believe that the institutes “ensure that UK students are taught an interpretation of China that reflects the CCP’s interests”.

Former Conservative Security Minister Tom Tugenhadt also suggested that they “pose a threat to civil liberties in many universities in the United Kingdom.”

However, the universities involved have dismissed claims of Chinese state interference in Scotland’s education system, suggesting it falls in line with other international engagement policies.

When contacted for comment about the Daily Mail’s investigation, the University of Aberdeen told The Glasgow Tab: “We are a global university with research and education collaborations and partnerships with institutes and organisations around the world. As part of our global partnership ethos, the Confucius Institute acts as a linguistic and cultural bridge, promoting knowledge exchange between China and the people of north-east Scotland. It runs a series of successful Chinese language classes and events for schools and the community.”

The University of Strathclyde were also contacted, and said: “Any funding provided to local authorities is ringfenced to support provision of high-quality, progressive language learning experiences, as well as greater equity of opportunities for Scottish learners, and any such activities are expected to meet standards devised by the General Teaching Council of Scotland.”

A spokesperson for Heriot Watt University told The Glasgow Tab: “The University is proud of its many significant global partnerships, which are vital to advancing its research endeavours to the benefit of communities around the world and strengthen mutual cultural understanding. Our Confucius Institute is one such example, enriching our academic community as well as broaden our global perspective.

“All partnerships are rigorously assessed through a comprehensive due diligence process to uphold academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

“These collaborations not only enhance our research and teaching excellence but bring substantial benefits to our students. They create new, supported pathways into higher education, provide unique opportunities for cultural exchange, and contribute to the University’s financial sustainability, ensuring a vibrant and diverse learning environment.  The Chinese community has strong historical connections with Edinburgh and we are pleased to recognise and celebrate these facts.”

The University of Edinburgh also replied to our request for comment, and a spokesperson said: “The Confucius Institute for Scotland and the University of Edinburgh continue to conduct open and critical debate about China alongside efforts to promote cultural outreach, knowledge exchange and dialogue.

“There has been no loss of academic freedom nor inhibition of academic debate at the University of Edinburgh as a consequence of its relationship with the Confucius Institute.”

“Edinburgh’s Confucius Institute receives funding from Fudan University to support cultural links between Scotland and China and delivery of Chinese language education. This funding does not support research projects. As with any international partnership we undertake, this has undergone a rigorous process of due diligence.”

The University of Glasgow did not respond to our request for a comment.

Featured image via MyGlasgow News Archives