Foreign researchers in China face increasing restrictions due to new regulations and data laws, particularly following COVID-19. While the environment has become more challenging, many researchers still enjoy their work in China. Declines in the foreign academic population have been noted, attributed to strict pandemic measures and ambiguity in law interpretation. Overall, there is an evolving landscape impacting collaboration and research activities.
Foreign researchers in China are currently confronting heightened restrictions amidst an increasingly authoritarian and security-oriented climate. While there is no specific campaign equivalent to the China Initiative aimed at scientists, recent regulations and data laws enacted after the COVID-19 pandemic are presenting considerable obstacles. Foreign researchers, many of whom previously felt welcomed, are now navigating a more complex landscape.
The presence of foreign researchers in China has notably declined, particularly post-COVID. An anonymous researcher in Beijing remarked on the significant decrease in foreigners, stating, “There used to be a lot more foreigners, including foreign scientists, in China before COVID.” Meanwhile, Halldór Berg Harðarson, formerly of Euraxess, estimated that approximately 5,000 to 10,000 foreign researchers currently reside in China, a stark contrast to the estimated 100,000 in the United States.
Strict COVID-19 policies contributed to this decline, with the Chinese government imposing severe lockdowns and restricting foreign entry. Harðarson explained, “The way that they dealt with it from the beginning was not very conducive to keeping foreign talent.” A Euraxess survey revealed that between 40-50% of foreign academics had departed by autumn 2022. Experiences from the pandemic have served as a wake-up call regarding the extent of state control, as noted by Kārlis Rokpelnis, who emphasized the control exerted during the pandemic.
Furthermore, China has introduced numerous security laws causing increased oversight on the export of research data. Annina Lattu highlighted that, while many countries impose data regulations, China’s laws are particularly stringent. Ambiguity regarding what constitutes sensitive information is complicating collaborative research projects, as Harðarson noted some partnerships faltering due to misunderstandings. The Data Security Law exemplifies this, as researchers need clearance for sending data outside China if deemed “important,” though definitions remain unclear.
In addition to data regulations, foreign researchers are also facing challenges regarding VPN usage for internet access, and they have noticed an increased focus on espionage vigilance within research organizations. However, some researchers, such as one in southern China, report feeling less accused of espionage compared to Western institutions, noting, “I haven’t felt anything about people accusing me of espionage.”
Despite these hurdles, the situation faced by foreign researchers in China reveals a complex interplay of welcoming attitudes dampened by new restrictions and uncertainties.
In summary, foreign researchers in China are currently encountering a restrictive environment characterized by heightened oversight from local authorities. Post-pandemic regulations, stringent data laws, and an overall climate of caution are creating challenges for international collaboration in research. Despite these obstacles, many researchers continue to adapt, hoping for a more conducive atmosphere for academic pursuits in the future.
Original Source: www.nature.com
