Republican senators demand termination of US-China science agreement, citing national security risks.
At a Glance
- Republican senators urge Biden administration to end longstanding science and technology agreement with China
- Agreement recently renewed for five years despite concerns over intellectual property and national security
- Senators argue cooperation with China is outdated and risks American research being co-opted
- State Department claims new agreement has narrower scope and includes safeguards to protect U.S. interests
- Critics warn ending partnership could be detrimental to U.S. interests
Republican Senators Call for End to US-China Science Cooperation
A group of Republican senators, led by Sen. Jim Risch, is pressing the Biden administration to terminate a long-standing science and technology agreement with China. The senators argue that the partnership, originally established in 1979, now poses significant risks to American research independence and national security. This call for action comes in response to the recent renewal of the agreement for an additional five years, a move that has sparked controversy and debate among policymakers.
The letter, addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was signed by Senators John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Todd Young, and Bill Hagerty. These lawmakers contend that the cooperation with China is outdated and potentially allows for the co-opting of American research. Their concerns are amplified by the timing of the renewal, which occurred just before President Biden leaves office, potentially denying the incoming administration an opportunity to review the agreement.
State Department Defends Agreement, Citing Enhanced Protections
In response to the mounting criticism, the State Department has defended the renewed agreement, asserting that it includes enhanced protective measures. According to the department, the new version of the agreement has a narrower scope, focusing only on basic research, and incorporates guardrails designed to safeguard U.S. interests. However, Republican senators remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures in protecting intellectual property and preventing unauthorized knowledge transfer.
Despite the State Department’s assurances, the Republican senators argue that the potential risks outweigh any benefits of continuing scientific cooperation with China. They emphasize the need to protect American innovation and prevent the Chinese government from exploiting U.S. research capabilities. The State Department has not yet commented on the letter from the senators, leaving questions about the future of the agreement unanswered.
Debate Over Long-Term Implications
The controversy surrounding the US-China science and technology agreement highlights the broader tensions between the two nations in the realms of research, innovation, and national security. While some policymakers advocate for a complete severing of scientific ties, others warn of the potential consequences of such a drastic move.
Deborah Seligsohn, a political science professor, argues that the United States stands to benefit more from cooperation with China now than in previous decades. She suggests that ending the partnership could be detrimental to U.S. interests by foregoing valuable collaboration with China’s increasingly capable research infrastructure. This perspective underscores the complex nature of international scientific cooperation in an era of geopolitical competition.
