Several top Australian universities have recently closed their Confucius Institutes (CIs), education centres linked to the Chinese government. These institutes were meant to promote Chinese language and culture, but concerns about their influence and ties to Beijing have led to their shutdowns.
Australian Universities Quietly Close Confucius Institutes
Six universities have officially removed the institutes from their campuses, nearly halving the total number of such centres in the country. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), seven Confucius Institutes remain operational in Australia.
The universities that have closed their Confucius Institutes include the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland (UQ), the University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
Many of these institutions cited disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason for not renewing their agreements with the Confucius Institutes.
A spokesperson for UNSW stated that the university is working on its own Chinese studies program and remains committed to encouraging open discussions about the China-Australia relationship.
Meanwhile, the University of Melbourne closed its Confucius Institute in August 2024, stating that it already offers a variety of Chinese language and Asia-related programs, eliminating the need for renewal.
Rising Scrutiny Over Foreign Influence
The Australian government has increased its scrutiny of Confucius Institutes in recent years, raising concerns that they could be used to spread Chinese government propaganda and monitor Chinese students studying in Australia.
The federal government has previously signaled that it would not approve the opening of additional Confucius Institutes in the country. Universities have also been required to disclose more details about the institutes’ operations and, in some cases, register them under the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme.
The University of Queensland’s Confucius Institute closed in December 2024 after its contract expired. A spokesperson from the university clarified that it had not been instructed by the government to do so. However, the rising global concerns about foreign interference, particularly from China, may have played a role in these decisions.
Confucius Institutes, which operate in various universities worldwide, have faced similar scrutiny in other countries, including the United States and parts of Europe. Critics argue that these institutes suppress discussions on topics that the Chinese government considers sensitive, such as human rights, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Chinese Plot Erupts Near F-35 Facility in Alps
In Australia, the ABC reported in 2019 that applicants for volunteer teaching positions at Confucius Institutes were required to show loyalty to the Chinese government.
Debate Over the Role of Confucius Institutes
China has defended Confucius Institutes, calling them a “bridge reinforcing friendship” between nations. The institutes provide Chinese language and cultural education to international students. However, some researchers and rights groups argue that they function as extensions of the Chinese Communist Party and play a role in influencing academic discussions.
Human Rights Watch released a report in 2019 stating that Confucius Institutes operate under rules that restrict academic freedom and ensure alignment with the Chinese government’s political views.
Leticia Zheng Exposed in 7 Year Espionage Operation at Educational Institute
Dr. Jeffrey Gill, a researcher from Flinders University who has studied Confucius Institutes, commented on the closures, saying he was not surprised. He noted that concerns over foreign influence may have contributed to the shutdowns but questioned whether the institutes were actively spreading Chinese government propaganda. He added that their overall impact on perceptions of China in Australia and the Western world was likely minimal.
Despite the closures, some Australian universities continue to maintain educational collaborations with China. The University of Adelaide, for example, did not confirm whether its Confucius Institute had been shut down but stated that it remains engaged in partnerships with Chinese institutions.
The closures of these institutes reflect broader concerns over the influence of foreign governments on academic institutions. While some universities have opted to shut them down, others have chosen to continue collaborations, albeit under greater transparency and scrutiny.