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Natalie Winters@nataliegwinters · Sep 2, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Beijing is building what a Chinese diplomat called a “pro-China force” inside Chicago Public Schools. A…

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Summary

Beijing is conducting an organized influence operation targeting Chicago Public Schools through curriculum partnerships, propaganda materials, and student exchange programs designed to build support for China and the Communist Party among American children. The operation includes agreements with schools to develop curriculum aligned with Xi Jinping ideology, promotional books marketed to American students, and recruitment of youth into programs to spread pro-China messaging.

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  1. #1

    EXCLUSIVE: Beijing is building what a Chinese diplomat called a “pro-China force” inside Chicago Public Schools. A K–12 book is marketed as kids “telling China’s story” to “foster support for China.” A Chicago student says Xi’s program lets kids “fall in love with China.” 🧵

  2. #2

    Taft’s principal signed a deal with Jinan No. 9 High School. It allows the Chinese school to help develop curriculum, train teachers and exchange students with a Chicago public high school.

  3. #3

    The Chinese partner’s own documents spell out exactly what it is. Its plan is guided by “Xi Jinping Thought,” puts Communist Party leadership first and expands its “ideological-political classroom.” Its principal is also a CCP committee official.

  4. #4

    Inside China’s consulate, 100+ American children, parents and educators were briefed on the CCP Central Committee’s “major achievements.” School agreements followed. Then students were recruited for Xi’s plan to bring 50,000 young Americans to China.

  5. #5

    The propaganda is aimed directly at children. Chinese officials unveiled a K–12 book marketed as American children “telling China’s story” to “foster support for China.” Its publisher then turned it into a roadshow across U.S. school districts.

  6. #6

    The influence operation doesn’t end when kids return. The consulate created a “YES Friends Club” to keep students producing essays and videos and attending events as “messengers.” A school leader called them “multipliers” whose influence would “triple and quadruple.”

  7. #7

    Chinese media showed the result: a Chicago student said Xi’s program lets kids “fall in love with China.” FULL STORY: nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-th…