China-U.S. Science Agreement Extended Until 2029

December 27, 2024

China and the United States agreed to extend their Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement for another five years, starting August 27, 2024. This extension follows a history of collaboration that began in 1979 and has evolved over decades. Experts view this renewal as a positive sign for future cooperation.

Historical Context

The Agreement was established in 1979 by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and U.S. President Jimmy Carter. It aimed to enhance agricultural research and technology. The Agreement has been renewed every five years, gradually expanding its scope.

Recent Developments

Initially due for renewal in 2023, the Agreement received temporary extensions in August 2023 and February 2024. The latest renewal includes a new protocol to clarify its continuity. The U.S. and China Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation oversees the Agreement.

The Agreement encompasses 40 sub-agreements across various fields, including agriculture and nuclear fusion. It facilitates joint research, researcher exchanges, and institutional cooperation. However, it does not specify funding, relying on mutual commitment for success.

Limitations and Concerns

The updated Agreement restricts collaboration to intergovernmental projects and basic research. It excludes cooperation in critical technologies to mitigate concerns over intellectual property and unequal benefits. Past instances of China commercialising U.S. patents without reciprocal benefits have raised alarms.

China’s investment in R&D has skyrocketed, growing from $375 million in 1979 to $442 billion in 2021. This surge has positioned China as player in global science. The U.S. benefits from monitoring China’s advancements while ensuring its own competitive edge.

The renewed Agreement is expected to yield mutual benefits. For China, it opens avenues for research collaboration. For the U.S., it offers a framework to influence China’s scientific trajectory. The partnership puts stress on the importance of sustained investment and strong research capacities in bilateral science and technology initiatives.

GKToday Notes:
US-China Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation: This commission oversees the bilateral science agreement. It ensures collaboration between the U.S. and China, managing co-chairs and executive agencies involved.
Nuclear Fusion: This process involves merging atomic nuclei to release energy. It is a key area of research in the Agreement, promising potential breakthroughs in clean energy solutions.
Intellectual Property Concerns: These concerns have shaped the Agreement’s evolution. Past instances showed China commercialising U.S. patents without reciprocal benefits, prompting the U.S. to impose restrictions in the renewed Agreement.

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