How to sustain scientific collaboration amid worsening US–China relations

Abstract

As the political relationship between the United States and China has frayed, the scientific ties between them have become thinner and more fragile. This is a dangerous trend. Working together, scientific communities in the two nations have the potential to create technologies and ideas that will benefit the world — such as clean-energy innovations and improved drugs. But if these communities are driven further apart, the flow of discoveries will slow, and scientists will be less equipped to respond collectively to crises. The incoming administration of President Donald Trump is likely to amplify the current bipartisan consensus in the United States to be tough on China. Over the past decade, both Republicans and Democrats have increased tariffs and restrictions on Chinese imports. Last month, after much wrangling, the two countries renewed the US–China Science and Technology Agreement (STA), a framework that supports collaboration between government departments. This is a helpful step, but one that has put a spotlight on the many points of contention between the countries' political leaders. To bridge the gaps, scientists must become more politically savvy and active in setting the terms of engagement. US and Chinese researchers must come together to choose and champion 'safe zones' for joint work: topics that offer high value from collaboration and minimal sensitivity to geopolitical issues.

For More information, please visit:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00033-2

Sources: Nature 637, 545-547 (2025)

Published: 14 January 2025

DOI:10.1038/d41586-025-00033-2

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