US Seeks Short-Term Extension to Address Intellectual Theft Concerns in China Science and Tech Pact
The United States is seeking a short-term six-month extension to the science and technology agreement (STA) with China amid concerns over intellectual theft. The landmark agreement, first signed in 1979, established a framework for cooperation between the two countries in scientific research and technology development. The agreement has been renewed every five years, and it is set to expire on August 27.
The US State Department, in collaboration with other agencies, is pursuing a six-month extension to allow for negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA. This extension is intended to maintain the agreement’s effectiveness while also addressing the concerns surrounding intellectual property theft. However, it does not commit the United States to a longer-term extension at this stage.
The State Department emphasizes that the STA provides consistent standards for government scientific cooperation. Nevertheless, the agreement’s renewal is facing intense scrutiny, as US lawmakers raise concerns about the potential for Beijing-backed intellectual property theft. The House Select Committee on China has urged the US government not to renew the STA, citing risks related to China’s military-industrial development.
In response to these concerns, Republican lawmakers have proposed a bill that would require congressional notification for science and tech agreements. The proposed legislation aims to ensure thorough risk assessments, human rights considerations, and consistent monitoring mechanisms. This reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect US national security and intellectual property interests.
Notably, former US chief technology officer Michael Kratsios, who was involved in the last renewal of the STA in 2018, supports allowing the agreement to expire. Kratsios argues that doing so would enable a refocusing of cutting-edge research and development investments into areas that are less vulnerable to being used against US national interests.
China, on the other hand, remains committed to science and technology collaborations with the United States. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy emphasized that China’s views and positions on China-US science and technology relations remain consistent and that science and technology are open for business.
In a related development, the US Department of Commerce has lifted restrictions on 27 Chinese companies, removing them from the unverified list that prohibits the purchase of US products and technology without a license. This move has been seen by many as an olive branch to China ahead of US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s visit to Beijing. It aligns with the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries.
In conclusion, the United States is seeking a short-term extension of the science and technology agreement with China, addressing concerns over intellectual theft. This move comes amid calls from US lawmakers to reassess the agreement to safeguard national security and protect intellectual property. While the US government considers the extension, it is clear that China maintains its commitment to open collaboration in the science and technology domain. The lifting of restrictions on certain Chinese companies by the US Department of Commerce further signifies efforts to ease tensions and promote cooperation between the two nations.
