Western University Prof Shares His Pride in His Efforts to ‘Systemically Cultivate Talents’ for China

Ontario professor Xueliang (Andy) Sun at Western University has garnered numerous recognitions and accolades within Canadian academic circles. But in a 2021 interview with a Chinese media outlet, it was his efforts to “systemically cultivate talents for China” that he spoke about taking pride in. “I systematically cultivate talents [for China]. They [my students] have been able to achieve success in scientific research and contribute to the country. I feel very proud of that,” Mr. Sun, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western, told Shaanxi Daily in a report dated Dec. 23, 2021. The Chinese regime’s international talent-recruitment programs have increasingly come under scrutiny from intelligence in the West. Concerns have been raised regarding alleged use of persuasion or coercion within these programs aiming to induce individuals into transferring intellectual property or sensitive technologies to China. In certain instances, individuals have reportedly been compelled to engage in espionage on behalf of the regime....