US Updates Science and Technology Pact with China Amid Security Concerns
The US has updated its science and technology agreement with China to focus on basic research and include stronger national security safeguards, excluding critical technologies amid growing rivalry.
Published on April 14, 2025
On December 13, 2024, U.S. officials update the longstanding science and technology agreement with China, signing the revised pact in Beijing. The agreement now focuses exclusively on basic research while explicitly excluding critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, in a bid to safeguard national security amid escalating U.S.-China rivalry.
The new measures come as lawmakers express concerns over potential exploitation of U.S. research for military and industrial purposes. Despite some domestic criticism, supporters argue that the pact maintains an essential channel for scientific collaboration and progress, aligning with U.S. values and interests while protecting sensitive technologies.