The European Union has excluded Chinese organizations from its most advanced collaborative technology programs, covering fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, and biotechnology. The EU cites concerns over research security and potential military applications. Chinese space scientist Wu Ji expresses doubt that the policy will significantly harm China and suggests it may instead isolate Europe further.
The European Union's new rules, effective this year, bar organizations based in China from applying for grants under its €93 billion (US$110 billion) Horizon Europe program in designated "critical areas." These include artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, semiconductors, and biotechnology. The EU justifies the measure by citing risks to research security and potential military applications.
Under the rules released in December, researchers outside China in these fields must demonstrate that their partner institutions are not directly owned or controlled by Chinese entities. The document dedicates five pages specifically to restrictions on China.
However, experts in the affected sectors suggest the ban's impact may be limited, as collaboration in some areas has already reached historic lows. Chinese space scientist Wu Ji doubts the policy will hurt China significantly and notes it may instead "make Europe appear more isolated."
Past collaborations between China and Europe in space research, such as the Chinese Society of Space Research's involvement in the SMILE satellite mission and the Double Star project, have been notable. Yet, ties have diminished in recent years. Scholars like Cao Cong from Duke University and Joy Zhang from the University of York indicate that current cooperation levels are already minimal.
Analysis from the Quincy Institute highlights how such restrictions underscore the EU's growing caution regarding technology transfers.
