Pentagon expands blacklist to include China’s top civilian universities

The Pentagon has expanded its blacklist of foreign institutions deemed a threat to U.S. national security by adding Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. These additions bring the total number of identified institutions in mainland China to 88. The updated list will prohibit U.S. Department of Defense-funded researchers from collaborating with these universities or utilizing their equipment, with restrictions beginning in the 2026 financial year. This action represents an extension of Washington's efforts to counter perceived unwanted Chinese influence and technology transfer in American research. Previously, the list primarily included military academies and institutions linked to China's defense industry, but its expansion to prominent civilian universities could impact a wider range of scientific partnerships.