Topic: Thousand Talents Program

Dr. Charles Lieber, the former chair of Harvard University's chemistry department, was indicted for making false statements regarding his involvement with China's Thousand Talents Program. The Department of Justice alleges Lieber received significant undisclosed funding from the Chinese government while also receiving U.S. federal grants. This case is described as the tip of the iceberg in a broader investigation into Chinese academic espionage and foreign influence in American universities.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns the National Governors Association to be wary of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence at the state and local levels. He references the arrest of Harvard professor Charles Lieber in connection with the "Thousand Talents Program" as evidence of academic infiltration. Pompeo claims the CCP maintains files on U.S. governors to determine who is amenable to Chinese business interests and the "Belt and Road" initiative.