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US, China Extend Science Pact for 5 Years with New Guardrails

Dec 13, 2024, 01:45 PM

The United States and China have renewed their longstanding science and technology cooperation agreement for another five years, effective from August 27, 2024. This renewal comes amidst criticisms from various sectors, including U.S. Republicans, who argue that the agreement disproportionately benefits China. The agreement, first signed in 1979, has been renewed every five years, with the last full renewal occurring under the first Trump administration. It was extended for six months in August 2023 and again in February 2024, reflecting the tense relations between the two nations. The Biden administration has signed the new agreement, which includes substantial revisions such as enhanced inter-agency review within the U.S. government, stronger provisions on researcher safety, dispute resolution, and data reciprocity. These changes aim to address security concerns and intellectual property protections while fostering scientific collaboration. Notably, the agreement excludes cooperation on critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which are seen as vital for economic and military supremacy.