Foreign researchers in China face increasing restrictions stemming from a more authoritarian climate post-COVID-19. Although specific espionage campaigns have not targeted them, daunting regulations and data laws complicate their work. The number of foreign academics has significantly declined, with many leaving during the pandemic. Experiencing hostility and strict governmental control fosters a challenging environment, raising questions about future collaboration prospects.
Research conducted by foreign scholars in China is encountering heightened challenges amid a shift towards a more security-oriented climate. Although the tensions arising from the previous administration’s China Initiative have not directly targeted foreign researchers, recent regulations and intensified data laws have made their experiences more challenging, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
A researcher based in Beijing, preferring to remain anonymous, noted a significant decrease in foreign scientists since the pandemic, stating, “There used to be a lot more foreigners in China before COVID.” This sentiment highlights the decreasing attractiveness of China for international scholars, as many colleagues left due to the pandemic and its restrictions. Despite these obstacles, the individual appreciates their current job, expressing, “I love it here.”
Halldór Berg Harðarson, who previously managed Euraxess in China, estimates that only 5,000 to 10,000 foreign researchers reside in the country, in stark contrast to the 100,000 foreign scholars in the United States. Strict governmental pandemic policies have primarily attributed to this decline; during 2020, many foreigners were prohibited from returning to China, contributing to a significant reduction in the foreign academic community.
According to a Euraxess survey, 40-50% of foreign academics had departed from China by the fall of 2022. The restrictions were imposed swiftly, leading to frustrations regarding daily life and increased social tensions. One researcher recounted the stress faced due to sudden demands for COVID-19 tests from health authorities, demonstrating the sometimes intrusive nature of the regulations in place.
Additionally, a fellow academic observed rising hostility towards foreigners during the pandemic, highlighting societal fears regarding transmission of the virus. One instance illustrated this as some residents opted not to sit near foreigners on public transport. This climate of fear deeply affected the foreign research experience in China.
Kārlis Rokpelnis, a seasoned social scientist in Beijing, indicated that the pandemic response revealed the extent of government control exercised over foreign researchers. Added to these concerns are the recent data laws, which have tightened the scrutiny over research that may be sensitive or proprietary. Annina Lattu from Peking University commented that, “China’s laws… sit on the strictest and most ambiguous end of the spectrum.”
The implications of these laws can hinder collaborative research efforts. For instance, projects faltered due to vague guidelines around sensitive data, which require government clearance before sharing outside the country. The ambiguity surrounding what constitutes “important” data complicates these dynamics further.
Adjusted regulations have mostly impacted medical research, as highlighted by Rokpelnis. His observations suggest that experimental processes have largely continued unaffected. Meanwhile, concerning security, there have been noticeable efforts within research institutions to address concerns over espionage, leading to the display of warnings about foreign spies.
Through all these challenges, foreign scholars maintain a resilient spirit, navigating restrictions while continuing to contribute to their fields under increasingly stringent circumstances. Their experiences, mixed with opportunities and setbacks, reflect the complicated dynamics of research collaboration in today’s global landscape.
In conclusion, foreign researchers in China are increasingly confronted with a landscape shaped by stringent regulations and heightened scrutiny, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the community remains relatively small, challenges related to data laws and social dynamics have intensified. Despite these hurdles, many researchers continue to cherish their experience in China, highlighting the complexities and duality of conducting research in such an environment. Continued monitoring of these developments will be essential to understand their long-term implications for international collaboration in science.
Original Source: www.nature.com
