The U.S. government’s financial support to a controversial Chinese scientist amid escalating geopolitical tension has ignited national security and ethical concerns.
At a Glance
- Chinese scientists in the U.S. have significantly contributed to advanced technology and science.
- Many Chinese scientists are leaving the U.S. due to increasing geopolitical scrutiny.
- Concerns grow about U.S. funding potentially compromising national security.
- A comprehensive investigation is urged to address the lack of oversight in funding.
Funding Raises National Security Concerns
In recent years, geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China has escalated, yet millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars continue to flow to a controversial Chinese scientist labeled by some as a “mad scientist.” The funding, reportedly hidden from congressional oversight, has raised significant alarm among experts and critics, who argue that such clandestine support could endanger national security and ethical standards.
This financial backing, considered essential for technological advancements, now faces immense scrutiny. The geopolitical landscape has fueled an exodus of Chinese scientists, further complicating the issue.
From 2010 to 2021, the number of Chinese scientists leaving the U.S. increased from 900 to 2,621. Beijing’s recruitment initiatives, such as the Thousand Talents Plan, entice these scientists, exacerbating the situation.
Impact on Science and Technology
The U.S. benefits significantly from contributions by Chinese scientists in advanced technology. Despite these contributions, many Chinese American researchers feel unsafe and unwelcome. According to a survey, 89% want to contribute to U.S. science; however, 72% feel unsafe, and 61% have considered leaving.
“It’s absolutely devastating,” said David Bier, Associate Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, referring to the growing trend of Chinese scientists leaving the U.S. “So many of the researchers that the United States depends on in [the] advanced technology field are from China, or are foreign students, and this phenomenon is certainly going to negatively impact U.S. firms and U.S. research going forward.”
#Pentagon Faces Questions for Funding Top #Chinese #AI Scientist
U.S. lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Defense as to why it ignored signs that a scientist who got tens of millions of dollars in federal research grants was for years transferring potentially… pic.twitter.com/WUiOlB5M4r
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) January 19, 2024
Geopolitical Tensions and Ethical Concerns
The U.S. launched the China Initiative to counter intellectual property theft, causing an accelerated outflow of Chinese scientists since 2018. This initiative has also led to a chilling effect on scientific collaboration. Over one-third of surveyed scientists feel unwelcome, and nearly two-thirds express concern about collaborating with China.
“Scientists of Chinese descent in the United States now face higher incentives to leave the United States and lower incentives to apply for federal grants,” the report said. There are “general feelings of fear and anxiety that lead them to consider leaving the United States and/or stop applying for federal grants.”
Student visa denials and backlogs are at record levels, with a 35% denial rate in 2022. As a result, international students are opting for countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK for academic opportunities. The United Kingdom, for instance, has introduced “Global Talent” and “High Potential Individual” visas to attract scholars.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation
The lack of transparency in the funding mechanism has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. The focus should be on ensuring all financial support aligns with national security and ethical standards, especially amidst increasing geopolitical tension.
“There is this chilling effect that we’re still witnessing now, where there is a stigma attached to collaboration with China,” said Jenny Lee, a professor at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona.
The intertwining of U.S. and Chinese technological ecosystems complicates decoupling efforts, raising the stakes for national security. The U.S. must also consider severe human rights abuses in China, particularly in Xinjiang, as it shapes its funding and collaborative policies.
