U.S. and China Renew Science Agreement with New Safeguards

The updated five-year pact limits collaboration to basic research and introduces measures to address national security concerns.

The U.S. and China signed a revised Science and Technology Agreement (STA), extending it for five years after months of negotiations.
The agreement focuses solely on basic research, excluding critical and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
New provisions strengthen intellectual property protections, ensure data reciprocity, and include safeguards for researcher safety.
The pact reflects growing U.S.-China tensions, with Republicans criticizing its timing ahead of the incoming Trump administration.
Proponents argue the agreement sustains vital scientific collaboration while adapting to the evolving geopolitical landscape.