LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Federal lawmakers are calling on three Michigan universities to end academic partnerships with Chinese institutions, citing national security concerns tied to research and technology transfers.

U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Caledonia) and Tim Walberg (R-Lenawee County) sent letters on February 17th to Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Oakland University, and the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), questioning their partnerships with Chinese universities, according to The Detroit News.

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“The research at your university is funded by the American people and must be protected,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letters specifically asked EMU to cut ties with Beibu Gulf University and Guangxi University, Oakland University to review agreements with multiple Chinese institutions, and UDM to reconsider partnerships with universities including Hubei University of Technology and Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

The lawmakers previously raised similar concerns with the University of Michigan, which recently announced it would end its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

EMU spokesperson Melissa Thrasher said the university is reviewing the concerns and “will respond in the immediate future.” Oakland University interim provost Kevin Corcoran said officials are evaluating “ongoing collaborations.” UDM President Donald Taylor confirmed a review is underway and that lawmakers will be updated on next steps.