
The Biden administration is quietly negotiating to renew a science and technology agreement with China, drawing criticism from congressional Republicans who argue that the deal has strengthened Beijing’s military and harmed U.S. security. The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement, which expired in August 2024, is now the subject of negotiations between the two governments.
Originally signed in 1979, the agreement was intended to foster scientific collaboration, but in recent years it has become a point of contention. Many Republicans believe that joint research under the pact has allowed China to steal valuable U.S. technology, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and hypersonic weapons.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chair of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition, has been leading the charge against renewing the agreement. He warned that U.S. research collaborations with China have directly contributed to the advancement of Beijing’s military capabilities. “This collaboration directly facilitates [China’s] military modernization,” Moolenaar said, urging the Biden administration to let the agreement expire permanently.
The Biden administration, however, has defended its efforts to renew the deal, claiming that scientific cooperation remains vital. A State Department official said that the administration is working to “strengthen the agreement to advance and protect U.S. interests in science and technology.”
With negotiations ongoing, the future of U.S.-China scientific collaboration remains uncertain, as Republicans push for increased oversight and restrictions on any future agreements with Beijing.