Nikki Haley Partnered With Communist China on Summer Camp Partnership

During Nikki Haley’s tenure as the Governor of South Carolina, an intriguing partnership between the state and a group led by the Chinese communist government came to light. The collaboration involved sending over a dozen students to a Beijing summer camp organized by the Beijing International Education Exchange (BIEE), raising eyebrows and prompting political debate.

The Partnership and Beijing’s Influence:

In March 2015, a memorandum on the South Carolina Department of Education website announced the state’s partnership with BIEE, a group affiliated with the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. The latter is under the centralized leadership of the Education Committee of the Communist Party of China, implementing the guidelines of the CPC Central Committee.

The memorandum expressed excitement about inviting 20 secondary school students from South Carolina to attend the 5th Beijing International Student Summer Camp. This opportunity, fully funded by BIEE, covered accommodations, meals, local transportation, tuition, and local activities in China.

Controversy and Cost:

While the memorandum highlighted the trip as an “amazing opportunity,” it also revealed that the Beijing Municipal Education Commission operates under the Communist Party’s directives. The cost for the 20 students and two chaperones was $2,200 each, covering airfare and international visa expenses.

Political Criticism:

Haley’s association with China has become a focal point for criticism, particularly from her Republican opponents. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accused Haley of “rolling out the red carpet” for the Chinese Communist Party, citing instances where she actively sought Chinese investments during her gubernatorial tenure.

DeSantis raised concerns about a Chinese-owned company being recruited to South Carolina, emphasizing Haley’s warm reception and positive speech about the company while standing next to a Chinese flag.

Haley’s Response and Political Fallout:

Nikki Haley defended her relationship with China during her time as governor, stating that she considered China a “friend” and appreciated the “strong relationship” between South Carolina and China. She downplayed accusations of being soft on China, emphasizing her commitment to protecting American businesses from Chinese threats or intimidation.

The ongoing political feud between Haley and DeSantis has intensified, with both camps exchanging accusations. Haley’s campaign spokesperson, AnnMarie Graham-Barnes, labeled DeSantis’s claims as “hypocrisy and lies,” pointing to his own dealings with Chinese companies.