The increasingly strained political relationship between the United States and China is taking a toll on their long-standing scientific collaboration, a trend that could have global ramifications. In a recent article published in Nature, experts Valerie J. Karplus, Lan Xue, M. Granger Morgan, Kebin He, David G. Victor, and Shuang-Nan Zhang discuss how scientists can continue to work together despite the growing geopolitical divide and provide recommendations on how to preserve and enhance US–China scientific partnerships.
The US and China have historically been powerful collaborators, especially in fields like clean energy, medicine, and environmental science. But with the political tensions between the two nations escalating, scientific exchange has become increasingly difficult. The fraying of scientific ties is particularly concerning, as breakthroughs in these fields are crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health crises.
In response to this growing divide, the authors call for the identification of “safe zones” in which US and Chinese scientists can collaborate with minimal risk of political fallout. These safe zones would focus on scientific fields that offer high collaborative value but carry less political sensitivity, such as cosmology, geology, and polar science. The paper draws parallels with the Cold War era when the US and Soviet Union collaborated in areas like geology and polar science despite ideological differences. By creating frameworks for these safe zones, the authors argue that scientists can continue to work together while minimizing the potential for political fallout.
While recent developments, such as the renewal of the US–China Science and Technology Agreement (STA), offer some hope for cooperation, the authors note that the agreement, which narrowly focuses on basic scientific collaboration and excludes security-sensitive work, is a limited step forward. The expiration of the STA in 2023 had already weakened the credibility of US diplomatic efforts to foster scientific cooperation, but the new agreement still offers a glimmer of hope for future collaboration.
Beyond identifying safe zones for research, the paper highlights the importance of improved communication among various stakeholders involved in scientific collaboration. It stresses the need for scientists to engage not only with each other but also with government officials, intelligence agencies, emerging researchers, faculty members, and business leaders. Communication is essential to demonstrate how scientific collaboration can benefit both nations and address global challenges. Scientists must become better advocates, articulating specific examples of how joint research helps advance both US and global interests.
The authors also emphasize the importance of facilitating exchanges and creating more transparent channels for collaboration. China, for instance, should prioritize hosting US researchers and students, providing direct support to faculty members involved in joint projects. Meanwhile, the United States should streamline visa processes for Chinese researchers, students, and academics. The paper argues that a more welcoming stance from the US government could greatly enhance scientific exchanges by ensuring that these interactions are insulated from broader geopolitical tensions.
To strengthen the US–China scientific ecosystem, the authors recommend the development of clearer policies that support cross-border collaborations. While the current political climate makes it difficult to secure funding for joint projects, especially those involving China, both countries should create mechanisms that foster scientific exchange and safeguard collaboration in safe zones. One promising development in this regard is the recent launch of the China–US Collaborative for Planetary Health by the US National Academy of Science and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This initiative aims to facilitate exchange between researchers through joint workshops, symposia, and institutes, marking a potential model for future US–China collaborations.
Ultimately, the authors argue that for US–China scientific collaboration to thrive, both countries must build greater trust. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, they stress that science can serve as a bridge across political divides, offering solutions to the most pressing global issues. However, for this to happen, scientists need to take a more active role in defining the terms of engagement and making the case for collaboration to both governments and the public.
The future of US–China scientific cooperation hinges on the ability of the scientific community to articulate a vision for how collaborations can work in the current political climate. If the scientific community fails to step up, the authors warn, politicians will fill the vacuum, and the resulting policies could undermine the potential for global progress. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for a renewed focus on safe zones, transparent collaboration, and effective communication, urging scientists on both sides to push back against rising nationalism and to champion the collective benefits of cross-border collaboration.
