Oxford Chancellor Warns of Chinese Influence on UK Universities

Lord Patten, the outgoing chancellor of Oxford University, has raised concerns about the potential erosion of British values in UK universities due to their reliance on Chinese students. In an interview preceding his departure after 21 years in the role, Patten highlighted the need for vigilance in maintaining academic freedom and integrity.

The former governor of Hong Kong expressed apprehension about universities treating Chinese students differently out of fear of repercussions from the Chinese government. He emphasized the importance of providing equal educational experiences to all students, regardless of their country of origin.

"How do you ensure that a Chinese student or a Hong Kong student gets the same liberal education at a British university as a German student would get or an American student or a student from Nigeria? How do you make sure that there isn't pressure on those who teach them to lay off certain subjects like Taiwan or Tibet or Xinjiang?"

Patten's concerns are not unfounded. The UK's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) reported last year that China had actively attempted to monitor and control Chinese students' behavior at British universities. This has led to a "culture of fear and suspicion" among Chinese students in the UK.

The financial implications of this issue are significant. Chinese students contribute approximately £5.9 billion to the UK university sector through tuition fees alone. This financial dependence has raised questions about the potential compromise of academic integrity and freedom of expression.

Lord Patten called on the UK government to adopt a tougher stance on China, echoing concerns raised by MI5 and MI6. He warned against a delusional approach that avoids confronting China on critical issues.

The outgoing chancellor also addressed the upcoming election for his successor, which will be held online for the first time in October 2024. Candidates include Lord Hague, Lord Mandelson, and Imran Khan, among others.

Patten touched on the broader challenges facing UK higher education, including the ongoing funding crisis. He suggested a reevaluation of the current tuition fee structure, proposing that fees should be pegged to the value of degrees in the labor market.

As Lord Patten prepares to step down, he becomes the first Oxford chancellor since 1715 not to die in office. His tenure has spanned a period of significant change in higher education and global politics, particularly concerning UK-China relations.

The issues raised by Lord Patten reflect broader concerns about academic freedom, international relations, and the future of higher education in the UK. As universities navigate these challenges, maintaining the integrity of British values and academic standards will be crucial.