Pentagon labels Confucius Institutes in US as national security threat

• The US Defense Department has designated Confucius Institutes as a threat to national security.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement on Friday.
• Washington has long accused Confucius Institutes of functioning as Chinese propaganda tools.
• Confucius Institutes are Chinese-funded cultural centers operating on US university campuses.
• The designation aims to address concerns about potential influence and security risks.