Taipei, Feb. 20 -- Taiwan has barred two Chinese universities from participating in academic exchange programs, citing their direct ties to Beijing's United Front Work Department. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao disclosed the decision in an exclusive interview with the Chinese-language Liberty Times (the Taipei Times' sister paper) reported.

The two institutions, Huaqiao University--located in Xiamen and Quanzhou--and Jinan University in Guangzhou, collectively enroll more than 2,000 Taiwanese students. Cheng, referencing national security reports, stated that these universities operate under China's political warfare branch.

Their connection to the United Front Work Department, known for its influence operations and recruitment ef...