US and China: What Happens After the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement Expires

The longstanding Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA) between the United States and China reached its expiration date on 27th February, following a tenure dating back to 1979. This agreement, typically renewed every five years, has facilitated collaborative pursuits in the realms of science and technology between the two nations. Initially slated to expire in late August 2023, the Biden administration granted a temporary six-month extension to allow for further deliberation on the way forward.

Concerns from the US emphasize China’s lack of reliability and transparency in research partnerships, particularly with regards to data sharing and scientific outcomes. The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) warned in a report from November 2023 that China’s participation within the STA has been inconsistent. Furthermore, as China has fortified its scientific and technological capabilities, it has imposed restrictions on US researchers’ access in certain domains. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that China withheld critical avian flu strains essential for US vaccine development and restricted American access to coronavirus research, including work funded by the US at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Despite these challenges, Tara Drozdenko, Director of the Global Security Programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists, has underscored the invaluable contributions stemming from scientific cooperation and exchange between the United States and China. She highlights that such collaborations have led to significant advancements in areas like air and water quality, cancer research, and the reduction of electronic waste. According to Drozdenko, severing these ties will have far-reaching implications for health, the environment, security, and economic progress driven by scientific endeavors.

Emphasizing that the renewal of the STA transcends political considerations, Drozdenko underscored its enduring significance across various US administrations and phases of the US-China relationship. She emphasized that both countries have recognized the critical importance of collaboration and exchange in addressing their most pressing challenges. Consequently, she urged President Biden to promptly reinstate the STA without further delay.

The expiration of the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement between the US and China raises questions about the future of scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries. As both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and evolving research landscapes, the decision regarding the STA renewal bears implications for a wide array of shared global challenges.

In conclusion, the expiration of the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement between the US and China underscores the intricate nature of international scientific collaboration and the complexities accompanying it. Navigating the renewal and terms of the STA will require careful deliberation and consideration of the broader impact on global scientific advancement.