In December 2024, the United States and China revised their longstanding science and technology agreement, originally signed in 1979, to address escalating tensions and security concerns. The updated pact, finalized in Beijing after extensive negotiations, narrows the scope of cooperation and introduces enhanced safeguards to protect national security.
The revised agreement focuses exclusively on basic research, explicitly excluding critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. This strategic decision aims to prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies that could bolster China's technological and military capabilities. The U.S. State Department emphasized that the updated pact sustains intellectual property protections and establishes new guardrails to ensure the safety and security of researchers.
Transparency and data reciprocity are central to the new provisions, reflecting a commitment to openness while safeguarding proprietary information. These measures are designed to foster scientific collaboration in a manner that aligns with U.S. values and interests, amidst growing concerns over Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft.
The revision of the agreement comes at a time when the U.S. has imposed restrictions on advanced technology exports to China, further straining bilateral relations. Despite these tensions, the updated pact seeks to maintain a channel for scientific cooperation, albeit in a more secure and controlled environment. Experts and lawmakers have advocated for oversight mechanisms to ensure that collaborative efforts do not compromise national security or economic interests.
This development underscores the complex interplay between scientific collaboration and national security in the context of U.S.-China relations. As both nations vie for technological supremacy, the evolution of such agreements will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of global innovation and security.
