US Revises Science and Technology Agreement with China Amid Rising Tensions

In December 2024, the United States and China updated their longstanding science and technology agreement, originally signed in 1979, to address escalating concerns over national security and technological competition. The revised pact, finalized in Beijing after extensive negotiations, introduces stricter safeguards and narrows the scope of cooperation to basic research, explicitly excluding critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. This strategic shift reflects the growing rivalry between the two nations in the realm of technological advancement.

The U.S. State Department emphasized that the updated agreement sustains intellectual property protections and establishes new measures to ensure the safety and security of researchers. Additionally, it introduces provisions aimed at enhancing transparency and data reciprocity between the two countries. By focusing solely on fundamental research, the agreement seeks to mitigate risks associated with the development of technologies deemed vital for economic strength and military supremacy.

This revision comes in the wake of heightened tensions, with the U.S. implementing restrictions on advanced technology exports to China and scaling back scientific collaborations due to concerns over potential espionage activities. Despite these challenges, the revised agreement aims to maintain a channel for scientific cooperation, albeit in a more secure and controlled manner. Experts and lawmakers have advocated for oversight mechanisms to ensure that such collaborations align with U.S. values and strategic interests.

The decision to update the agreement underscores the complex interplay between fostering international scientific collaboration and safeguarding national security interests. As both nations continue to vie for technological leadership, the evolution of such agreements will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of global scientific and technological partnerships.

Source: Associated Press

Date Published: 2024-12-13

URL: https://apnews.com/article/f15ec895ce37b793f0418000ff8a11de

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