US-China scientific decoupling: the hidden costs of geopolitical rivalry

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, its relationship with China looms large over the global order. A series of articles is examining the multifaceted ties between the two powers, from technology to soft power. This piece focuses on the scientific collaboration between the two nations.

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This is absurd.

Concerns are mounting over a US congressional proposal that could prohibit American research institutions from using federal funds to collaborate with specific Chinese entities. Zhang Ning, founder of TopEdit, a company that edits academic publications, expressed dismay upon learning of the proposal. "This is absurd," she stated during a meeting of the Society for Scholarly Publishing in San Diego.

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My first reaction was: is this real? It is ridiculous.

Zhang described her initial reaction as disbelief, questioning the reality of the proposal. She lamented that even if the bill fails, the global atmosphere feels increasingly irrational. This sentiment highlights the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding international scientific cooperation amidst geopolitical rivalries.

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it feels as though the world is becoming increasingly irrational