The University of Melbourne is renegotiating the agreement governing its Confucius Institute.Credit:Simon Schluter
While universities across the world have embraced Confucius Institutes,critics are concerned about censorship of sensitive political issues and the facilities operating as platforms for propaganda and inappropriate influence.
The University of Melbourne contract was first signed in August 2009 and must be renewed every five years. It was rolled over by mutual agreement in 2014.
"The university is working with Hanban to renegotiate its Confucius Institute agreement as the existing agreement will expire soon,"a spokesman said this week.
"While these negotiations are taking place,we are not in a position to provide any details."
In 2014,former vice-chancellor Glyn Davis wrote in a letter to the director of Hanban that the university was"very happy to confirm with you that the University of Melbourne will continue the collaboration on the development of the Confucius Institute and extend the agreement"signed in 2009.
The Age andThe Sydney Morning Herald recently revealed thatfour Australian universities signed agreements stating they must comply with Beijing's decision-making authority over teaching at the facilities.
The government has subsequentlyramped up scrutiny of the institutes following the revelations,warning the universities about standards and autonomy. The Attorney-General's Department is examining the arrangements for their compliance with the newly introduce foreign influence transparency scheme.