Australia ends university partnerships with Chinese institutions over security concerns
Canberra's decision to cut ties with two Chinese universities signals potential alignment with US research security policy
Quick Look
- Australia has terminated research and teaching partnerships with two Chinese institutions, citing national security grounds.
- The move follows expanded US restrictions on Chinese research entities, sparking concerns about Australia's future access to global research.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The decision follows the United States' expansion of restrictions on research entities from China. Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued orders to terminate specific partnerships on national security grounds.
Australia’s decision to axe partnerships with two Chinese universities has raised concerns that Canberra is moving to align with Washington on research security policy.
The decision came after the United States expanded its restrictions on research entities from China.
One analyst warned that Canberra’s latest move would not hinder Chinese progress, but it could leave Australia locked out of top-tier scientific research.
The Australian National University confirmed in a statement that it would comply with Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s order earlier this month to end its teaching partnership with Shandong University on national security grounds.
ANU said the university took “risks associated with foreign interference, national security and international engagement seriously”.
Earlier, The Australian reported that Wong had also cancelled a research collaboration between the University of Queensland and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to develop pain relief from a native plant, also citing security concerns.
Open Questions
- Will further university partnerships be targeted?
- What is the specific nature of the security risks identified?
