US Updates Science and Technology Pact with China Amid Rising Rivalry
In a significant move reflecting the escalating technological rivalry between the United States and China, the U.S. has revised its longstanding science and technology agreement with China. Originally signed in 1979, the updated pact, finalized in Beijing after extensive negotiations, introduces stricter safeguards aimed at protecting national security and narrows the scope of cooperation to basic research, explicitly excluding critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that the revised agreement sustains intellectual property protections and establishes new measures to ensure the safety and security of researchers. Additionally, it introduces provisions on transparency and data reciprocity. Notably, the agreement now focuses solely on basic research, deliberately omitting areas related to AI and quantum computing, which are deemed essential for economic strength and military supremacy.
This revision comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations in the tech sector. The U.S. has previously imposed restrictions on advanced technology exports to China and curtailed scientific cooperation due to concerns over potential Chinese espionage activities. Despite these challenges, the updated agreement aims to maintain a framework for scientific collaboration that aligns with U.S. values and interests, as highlighted by experts and lawmakers advocating for oversight to ensure the cooperation remains secure and beneficial.
Source: Associated Press
Date Published: 2024-12-13
URL: https://apnews.com/article/f15ec895ce37b793f0418000ff8a11de
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