Source link : https://usa-news.biz/2024/12/24/sciences-nature/us-china-science-pact-reboot-a-beacon-of-hope-in-strained-relations/
US-China Partnership in Science and Technology: A Renewed Commitment
The United States and China have revitalized their significant science and china-strike-new-science-and-tech-pact-amidst-intensifying-rivalry/” title=”U.S. and China Strike New Science and Tech Pact Amidst Intensifying Rivalry”>technology cooperation agreement that previously expired earlier this year. This newly renegotiated pact addresses foundational research collaboration while implementing updated safety measures to mitigate national security concerns. Importantly, the revised agreement does not encompass studies related to emerging or critical technologies, as noted by the US State Department.
This renewal bears historical significance as it marks the first substantial bilateral arrangement made between Beijing and Washington since they established diplomatic relations in 1979. Advocates of this partnership assert that it has contributed to advancements reducing birth defects, enhancing vaccine development, and mitigating air pollution levels.
Political Fallout from Renewal Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
The Biden administration’s choice to extend this agreement has unleashed criticism from Republican lawmakers who argue that such decisions should have been reserved for the incoming Trump administration. Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House select committee on China, described this action as “an obvious attempt to bind the hands of the next administration,” according to a Reuters report. Fellow Republican congressman Andy Barr remarked that past collaborations had led to “unprecedented growth in American scientific knowledge and technological prowess.” The Trump transition team has yet to provide feedback regarding these comments.
While there is anticipation for a tougher stance on China under President-elect Trump, some experts suggest he maintained a more accommodating relationship with Xi Jinping during his initial term than what is often perceived.
Positive Reception Among Chinese Scientists
Researchers in China have expressed appreciation for the renewed agreement; one scientist indicated feelings of “relief” at its extension for another five years. Li Zheng from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations pointed out that as China’s scientific capabilities improve parallelly with those of America’s, there lies an increasing reluctance from Washington toward collaborative efforts. Nonetheless, Li advocates extending cooperation in non-sensitive domains like combating climate change or working on vaccine developments. One analyst emphasized his disappointment over U.S. hesitance by stating: “If you continue building an isolated enclave around yourself, your understanding will be severely limited.”
A Call for Collaboration Amid Suspicion
Despite growing anti-China sentiments within political circles in Washington D.C., numerous American scientists championed this renewal due to its benefits derived from collaborations with Chinese researchers. An expert observed that maintaining such agreements aligns well with U.S interests since many notable innovations can be traced back directly to these cooperative efforts. The U.S remains heavily reliant on China as a key partner in various scientific fields; notably polymer science and telecommunications greatly benefit from Chinese contributions.
However, alarming allegations against several Chinese researchers regarding espionage activities have left many scientists apprehensive about continued engagement under such circumstances.
The post US-China Science Pact Reboot: A Beacon of Hope in Strained Relations first appeared on USA NEWS.
Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-12-24 16:15:29
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