Huang Yanzhong: CCP-Aligned Influence and Scientific Chain Migration in the US

Huang Yanzhong, currently a global health senior fellow at the US-based Council on Foreign Relations and professor at Seton Hall University, has recently drawn attention for his advocacy on behalf of Chinese students in the United States. While on the surface his activities appear to promote academic exchange and global health cooperation, a closer look reveals deeper ties to the CCP’s strategic and military research networks.

Petition Against US Visa Restrictions

In 2025, Huang signed a petition opposing US visa restrictions on Chinese students. He characterized the policy as “self-defeating” for the United States, while framing himself as a mediator defending student access. However, many of these students are part of a long-standing “scientific chain migration” program historically linked to the CCP and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

China’s Three-Level Biowarfare Network

The CCP’s biowarfare and high-level research programs are structured in three levels:

1. Secret PLA military programs researching highly pathogenic viruses.

2. Chinese universities and civilian research centers contributing to pathogen research.

3. Chinese scientists in the US collaborating with PLA or CCP-affiliated programs, some funded through NIH/NIAID grants.

This network creates a direct conduit for knowledge, skills, and technology obtained in the US to feed back into CCP and PLA programs. Programs like CUSBEA historically facilitated this process, allowing Chinese students and researchers to obtain positions in US institutions while maintaining allegiance to CCP-aligned networks.

Case Studies of Scientific Chain Migration

• Xiao-fan Wang & Qi-Jing Li at Duke University: maintain active research collaborations with PLA military medical universities while receiving millions in NIH funding.

• Chunsheng Xiang & Chunyuan Luo: worked in US Army research facilities on highly pathogenic agents while connected to PLA chemical and biowarfare programs.

• Jing-Ning Huan/Xun & Guo-Ping Li: integrated into US research centers, collaborating on military-relevant studies before returning to positions linked to PLA or CCP research.

These examples illustrate the fusion of civilian and military research in China, and how overseas students and researchers can become channels for CCP strategic influence.

Huang’s Role

Huang, as North America branch president of the Yangzhong Development Association and vice president of its Health and Wellness division, coordinates with a network that is overseen by CCP-aligned leadership. His advocacy on visas and student access, combined with his high-level policy visibility in the US, positions him to influence decisions in ways favorable to the CCP.

This includes protecting access for students who are linked to PLA research, indirectly shaping scientific, educational, and strategic outcomes in the US.

Questions of Legal Compliance

Given these connections, Huang’s actions raise questions under US law, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Are his advocacy and coordination with US institutions truly independent, or are they advancing the strategic objectives of a foreign adversary?

Conclusion

Huang Yanzhong is a figure who straddles academic, public health, and policy domains. While publicly advocating for global health and academic exchange, his activities intersect with CCP-aligned networks that access US scientific knowledge and funding. This case highlights the importance of careful scrutiny of foreign influence, particularly when it intersects with sensitive research areas and US strategic interests.#Democracy #Christ #Peace #Freedom #Liberty #Humanrights #人权 #法治 #宪政 #独立审计 #司法独立 #联邦制 #独立自治