The Science and Technology Agreement (STA) between the United States and China has been a vital component of bilateral cooperation for over four decades. Signed in 1979, shortly after the normalization of U.S.-China relations, the STA has facilitated scientific research collaboration between government agencies and universities in areas such as agriculture, clean energy, public health, and the environment. However, after 45 years, the agreement is now under threat, with the possibility of lapsing once again.
Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have cast a shadow over the future of research cooperation between the two scientific and technological powerhouses. The rise in competition between the two nations has led to a zero-sum mindset, where any scientific or technological knowledge gained by China is viewed as a threat to U.S. national security. House Republicans have targeted the STA, calling for its cancellation, citing concerns about the U.S. „fueling its own destruction.“
The U.S. government has increased scrutiny on Chinese scientists and researchers in the country, fearing espionage or technology theft. This climate of growing distrust has made the renewal of the STA more contentious and has hindered overall science and technology cooperation, especially between Chinese American scientists and their counterparts in China.
One of the key concerns driving the potential lapse of the STA is China’s civil-military fusion strategy, which aims to integrate civilian scientific research into military applications. The fear is that scientific cooperation could inadvertently contribute to the advancement of China’s military capabilities. As a result, science and technology issues have become central to U.S.-China relations, with export controls and other measures further straining the relationship.
Despite these challenges, the STA has been instrumental in fostering global scientific progress. Over the years, the agreement has facilitated numerous joint research projects and exchanges, leading to advancements in various fields such as clean energy, agriculture, and public health. The cooperation has benefited both countries, providing the U.S. access to China’s scientific capabilities and talent, while China has gained exposure to cutting-edge research and collaboration with American institutions.
The potential termination of the STA in the name of national security risks losing these valuable benefits. It also blurs the line between basic scientific research and technologies directly relevant to national security. Critics of the agreement view all scientific exchange as a national security risk if it could potentially benefit China in any way.
To preserve the benefits of the STA, an update of the agreement is necessary to address current concerns about data security, intellectual property theft, and dual-use technologies. Recent renegotiations have already enhanced controls on intellectual property, showing that updates are feasible. Collaboration on global challenges such as climate change, health pandemics, and food security could provide a platform for constructive engagement amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
In today’s world of rapid innovation, cross-border collaboration is essential for scientific and technological advancement. The U.S. and China have complementary strengths that, when combined, can accelerate progress in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biomedical research. Renewing the STA could facilitate this cooperation and drive scientific advancements that benefit both nations.
The future of U.S.-China science and technology cooperation hinges on the renewal of the STA. While political obstacles and security concerns pose challenges, the opportunities for collaboration in addressing global challenges and building trust are compelling. Sino-U.S. cooperation is essential for finding solutions to prominent global scientific challenges, highlighting the importance of maintaining and updating agreements like the STA.
