Foreign researchers in China encounter growing restrictions that reflect a more authoritarian climate. Although many still feel welcomed, stringent regulations post-COVID-19 and ambiguous data laws present significant challenges. The number of foreign scholars in China has notably decreased, highlighting the impact of these factors on international academic collaboration.
Foreign researchers in China are currently facing increasing restrictions that reflect a more authoritarian and security-oriented environment. Recent concerns have emerged regarding the potential revival of the China Initiative under a new US administration, which previously targeted scientists linked to allegations of scientific espionage. Nevertheless, many foreign researchers still perceive a welcoming atmosphere despite the challenges posed by stringent regulations, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prevalence of foreign researchers in China has notably diminished since before the pandemic, with estimates suggesting a current population of 5,000 to 10,000 PhD-holding foreign scholars in the country. In contrast, the United States accommodates around 100,000 foreign scholars at this academic level. Halldór Berg Harðarson, a former Euraxess representative in Beijing, indicates that the strict COVID-19 measures and travel restrictions significantly contributed to this decline.
The lockdown policies implemented by the Chinese government have deterred foreign talent. Harðarson notes that many foreigners encountered drastic limitations, making the country less appealing to foreign experts. By autumn 2022, a Euraxess survey revealed that 40-50% of foreign academics had departed China, a significant shift from figures recorded in 2019. One anonymous researcher recounted incidents of health officials requiring urgent COVID-19 testing, demonstrating the pressures faced by foreign scholars during the pandemic.
The response to COVID-19 has underscored the extensive control exerted by the Chinese state, leading to a hostile environment for foreigners, who were often viewed as vectors for the virus. This sentiment was echoed by another researcher, who noted experiences of isolation and avoidance in public spaces. The Ministry of Science and Technology’s lack of response to concerns regarding the impact of lockdown measures has left many questions unanswered.
Moreover, the introduction of stringent data laws in China poses complications for foreign researchers. According to Annina Lattu, an open-science researcher at Peking University, these regulations create ambiguity and increased scrutiny over research data sharing outside the country. Harðarson highlights instances where collaborative projects have faltered due to unclear regulations, indicating that the complexities of China’s Data Security Law complicate the potential for academic cooperation.
Concerns surrounding intellectual property and espionage have also arisen in the research community. One researcher noted the presence of posters warning of foreign spies, while expressing that he himself had not experienced accusations. Furthermore, he found cultural attitudes towards intellectual property in Chinese companies to be somewhat less restrictive compared to those in the UK.
In summary, while foreign researchers in China continue to engage with their academic work, they are contending with significant layers of restriction and a climate of surveillance. Changes in regulations, particularly related to data sharing, coupled with the aftermath of strict pandemic controls, have created a complex environment that challenges foreign academic collaboration and overall research activity.
In conclusion, foreign researchers in China are navigating a landscape increasingly shaped by stringent regulations and security concerns. The decline in the number of foreign scholars, exacerbated by pandemic-related restrictions and the implementation of complex data laws, has fostered a challenging environment for academic collaboration. Despite these obstacles, numerous researchers maintain their commitments to their work in China, appreciating the opportunities while grappling with the realities of their circumstances.
Original Source: www.nature.com
