China Condemns US Curbs on University Research Ties
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The latest dispute over US-China scientific exchanges intensified after the US Defense Department released research security review results for some American universities, saying they had fully ended cooperation with entities on a foreign research list that includes many Chinese research institutions. China’s Ministry of Commerce responded on Friday, accusing Washington of politicizing and weaponizing academic cooperation and saying such restrictions would ultimately hurt US innovation.
Key Points
- The US Defense Department on Monday, October 19, published research security review results covering some US universities
- The Pentagon said the universities had fully terminated cooperation with entities on the “1286 list” or a list of foreign research institutions engaged in problematic activities.
- Both reports said many Chinese research institutions were among the entities covered by the US list cited in the review results.
- China’s Commerce Ministry said on Friday, October 23, it opposes the broadening of national security concepts into scientific exchange.
- The ministry said China would take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong universities and researchers, the dispute adds uncertainty to cross-border academic partnerships, especially where projects involve US-linked funding, compliance checks or institutional vetting. It also points to a tougher operating environment for international research collaboration as both sides harden their positions over security and technology ties.