Tech Sharing With Chinese Still Beneficial in Some Areas, Expert Says
Despite national security concerns, technology sharing with Chinese academic institutions can continue to reap benefits, said Meia Nouwens, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. But Nouwens, speaking during a Jan. 26 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing, said academics and technology executives "lack clarity" around what work they can and should be collaborating on with Chinese colleagues. Universities and industry need more government guidance on what's allowed, she said.
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As the Chinese military and government adopt new methods of technology procurement in response to U.S. and allied regulations, Nouwens said, more care must be exercised in how we share technology. Commissioner Aaron Friedberg voiced concerns over "academic openness" when dealing with China and how it may be modified, especially in areas of emerging technologies where "basic research" could lead to unanticipated military applications or dual-use technologies. Friedberg also asked if cooperation in innocuous areas is helping to "skill build" Chinese technologists. Restricting basic research and skill-building would be a "whole other discussion," Nouwens said.