In a recent government meeting, experts highlighted significant concerns regarding China's approach to science and technology, particularly its implications for U.S. government-funded research and development. Dr. Kashuk, an authority on China's science policy, emphasized the country's strategy of civil-military fusion, which integrates academic research with military objectives. He noted that Chinese universities openly declare their foundational research aims to support military advancements, raising alarms about intellectual property theft and espionage.

Dr. Kashuk pointed out that the legal framework in China, including the national intelligence and cybersecurity laws, complicates collaboration with Chinese researchers. These laws mandate that researchers share their findings with the Chinese government, undermining trust in cooperative efforts with U.S. institutions. He cited recent espionage cases, including one involving a researcher charged with attempting to acquire sensitive data center plans, as evidence of China's aggressive pursuit of cutting-edge technology.

The discussion also referenced historical patterns of militarization in China, tracing back to Mao Zedong's efforts to acquire nuclear technology during the Cold War. Dr. Kashuk mentioned a 2020 report from the Hoover Institution, which identified a group of Chinese universities known as the \"7 Sons of National Defense\" as key players in diverting U.S. research for military use. This raised questions about ongoing collaborations between U.S. departments and these institutions, despite the evident risks.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a reassessment of research security protocols to safeguard U.S. technological advancements from potential exploitation by foreign entities.