U.S. Congress Tackles China's Tech Influence: National Security Concerns in Universities
U.S. University Partnerships with China Raise National Security Concerns
Congressional Republicans have raised alarm over partnerships between U.S. universities and China, claiming that significant federal funding has inadvertently aided Beijing in developing critical technology. A recent report suggests that U.S. tax dollars may have contributed to China’s technological and military advancements, sparking concerns over national security risks associated with scientific collaborations.
The investigation, which focused on higher education’s role in the economic rivalry with China, particularly in the technology sector, has prompted calls for stronger safeguards and enforcement measures. In response, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved approximately two dozen China-related bills aimed at competing with Beijing in the tech field.
These bills seek to implement various measures, including banning Chinese-made drones, restricting China-linked biotech companies, and cutting off remote Chinese access to advanced U.S. computer chips. Additionally, there are efforts to curb Beijing’s influence on U.S. college campuses and revive a Trump-era program to combat China’s alleged spying and intellectual property theft.
The report identified about 8,800 publications involving U.S. researchers with funding from the Department of Defense or U.S. intelligence agencies working alongside Chinese researchers. It also flagged problematic joint institutes between U.S. and Chinese universities that potentially transfer critical U.S. technologies and expertise to China.
Several universities have been named in the report, including the Georgia Institute of Technology for its joint Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute. While Georgia Tech defended its work in China, stating no research or technology transfer occurred, it has since announced the discontinuation of its participation in the joint institute.
The University of California, Berkeley, which opened the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute with China’s Tsinghua University in 2015, is now unwinding its partnership and relinquishing ownership in the Shenzhen school. The University of Pittsburgh was also named for its cooperation with Sichuan University but could not comment as it was not consulted or involved in the investigation.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has advocated for more Chinese students in humanities and social sciences but not in particle physics, highlighting the delicate balance between academic exchange and national security concerns.
The report emphasizes the need for more conversation about national security and the potential negative ramifications of over-securitization. Experts warn that decreased person-to-person engagement is contributing to the rapidly fraying U.S.-China relationship, underscoring the complex challenges facing policymakers and academic institutions in navigating international collaborations while safeguarding national interests.
