Foreign researchers in China are facing heightened restrictions due to a more authoritarian climate and new data laws post-pandemic. Although many enjoy their work environment, challenges are becoming prevalent, as the number of foreign scholars in China has decreased significantly. The uncertainty surrounding data laws further complicates collaborative research efforts.
The landscape for foreign researchers in China is shifting considerably amidst tightening regulations and an increasingly authoritarian atmosphere, particularly given the impending concerns over a potential reintroduction of the China Initiative under the Trump administration. While many foreign researchers continue to feel welcomed, challenges arise from new data laws and post-COVID-19 regulations that complicate their work experience in the country.
The number of foreign researchers in China has significantly dwindled due to strict pandemic measures. Halldór Berg Harðarson, a former researcher in Beijing, estimates only 5,000 to 10,000 foreign PhD holders remain, compared to over 100,000 in the United States. This decrease is largely attributed to the government’s pandemic response, which included barring re-entry for foreigners during lockdowns and enforcing severe restrictions throughout 2022.
A survey conducted by Euraxess highlighted that 40-50% of foreign academics left China by late 2022, a noteworthy drop since 2019. One researcher described intrusive health checks while another noted social hostility towards foreigners during the pandemic, indicating a shift in public perception and increased scrutiny towards foreign nationals.
Compounding these challenges, China’s stringent data laws have further impacted collaborative research. Annina Lattu from Peking University noted that ambiguity in these regulations fosters a climate of uncertainty, often resulting in failed partnerships. Notably, the Data Security Law mandates discretion regarding certain types of research data, which complicates academic endeavors involving sensitive material.
Furthermore, the perception of foreign researchers as potential threats is evident, as seen through the emergence of posters warning against espionage within research institutions. However, the environment has not led to widespread accusations of espionage, and many researchers report that collaborations remain generally positive despite looming legal constraints.
Foreign researchers in China are increasingly confronted with a challenging environment shaped by stringent regulations and public perception shifts, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security concerns. The ambiguous nature of data laws poses additional hurdles for collaborative efforts, while a notable decline in their numbers reflects the impact of stringent lockdown measures. Overall, while many still feel welcomed, the conditions under which they operate are growing increasingly complex and restrictive.
Original Source: www.nature.com
