Story perspectives
U.S. dismantles Confucius Institutes as China accuses smears
By Drooid · · How we work
1 of 1
Story summary
- China’s foreign ministry accused the United States of smearing after Washington labeled Confucius Institutes security threats.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon dismantled dozens of groups in two months.
- Hegseth warned the institutes reappeared under new names while keeping the same mission.
- Confucius Institutes have closed in France, Sweden, Australia and Canada after similar accusations.
- Washington calls the institutes propaganda tools and has restricted their funding since 2025.