The cost of curbing China research collaboration outweighs the security risks, Australian academics argue
By
University of Technology Sydney
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Summary
James Laurenceson and Wanning Sun argue that Australia's campaign to curb university research collaboration with China, framed as a national security measure, is counterproductive. While acknowledging that research security concerns are not unfounded (citing a 2023 ASIO disclosure of Chinese intelligence infiltration), they contend that overreaction risks making Australia smaller and less attractive to global scientific talent. The authors advocate for a balanced approach that manages risks without sacrificing the benefits of international scientific collaboration.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledNational security is not strengthened by making Australia smaller and less attractive to scientific talent
The near decade-old campaign to frame Australian university research collaboration with China as a national security threat is experiencing a renewed burst
Fears around research security are not made up. In 2023, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation disclosed a plot by China's intelligence services to 'infiltrate a prestigious Australian institution'
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