Members of a Utah House committee voted unanimously Wednesday in support of an effort to close Chinese language programs at two of the state’s universities over concerns that they pose a national security risk and could aid espionage efforts by the Chinese Communist Party.

News Snapshot:

Members of a Utah House committee voted unanimously Wednesday in support of an effort to close Chinese language programs at two of the state’s universities over concerns that they pose a national security risk and could aid espionage efforts by the Chinese Communist Party. These so-called Confucius institutes have been offering everything from language classes to cultural programming and outreach at U.S. universities since 2004. As of August 2020, there were 65 active programs in the country, according to the resolution from Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Riverton. But amid concerns about the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, which helps fund...