U.S. and China Extend 45-Year-Old Science Cooperation Agreement with National Security Guardrails for Five Years Starting August 27, 2024

Dec 13, 2024, 05:04 PM

On December 13, 2024, the United States and China signed a protocol to amend and extend the Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology for an additional five years, effective from August 27, 2024. This agreement, which has been in place for 45 years, aims to enhance collaboration between scientists from both nations despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. The new version of the agreement includes significant revisions, introducing 'guardrails' intended to protect national security by limiting certain types of research and ensuring inter-agency reviews within the U.S. government. The renewal has sparked mixed reactions, with some Republican lawmakers expressing concerns over national security implications, while proponents argue it fosters necessary scientific collaboration. This extension reflects a long-awaited breakthrough in U.S.-China relations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.