As Bild recalled, in April 2021, about 70 "representatives of the elite" of Estonia in the media, science, culture and education wrote an open letter in which they spoke about "China's actions to influence."
In this respect, the representatives of the Baltic state were particularly concerned about the academic sphere.
“In particular, the signatories called for the creation of means for the continuous monitoring of Chinese influence activities, as well as for the protection of foreign citizens in Europe, especially those from Hong Kong,” the parliamentarian said.
In her address, Bild mentioned that similar concerns have been expressed in the United States in recent years.
This is a report published in 2019 by Stanford University, which spoke of "China's strategy to influence" the American higher education system.
The MEP also recalled the case when Australia launched a parliamentary investigation "on the issue of foreign interference in universities."
In this regard, Bild turned to the European Commission with the question: "What contribution will the Commission make to the defense of scientific and educational freedom and research in the EU?"
Last year, Belgian MP Philippe De Man (Identity and Democracy Group) expressed concern about possible Chinese espionage in higher education in EU member states.