Biden Administration Quietly Pursues Renewal Of Expired Tech Deal With China

The Biden administration is seeking to quietly renew a decades-old science and technology agreement with China, despite growing concerns from congressional Republicans who argue the deal is aiding Beijing’s military expansion and threatening U.S. security. The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement, initially established in 1979, expired in August 2024 after a temporary six-month extension, and negotiations to renew it are ongoing.

This agreement was initially seen as a milestone in U.S.-China relations, opening the door to collaboration in science and technology. However, in recent years, critics argue that the pact has allowed China to take advantage of joint research efforts to bolster its military capabilities. Some believe that the deal has directly contributed to advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and semiconductors, technologies crucial to China’s military modernization.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition, opposes renewing the agreement. “We absolutely should not encourage additional science or tech collaboration with the [Chinese Communist Party],” Moolenaar said, warning that federal research dollars have helped China develop military-related technologies.

In response to these concerns, the House recently passed legislation that would require greater congressional oversight of any future science and technology agreements with China. The bill aims to ensure that such agreements do not compromise U.S. national security by enabling China to exploit American technological advances.

China’s recent anti-spy campaign, restrictions on foreign companies, and coercive measures against American firms have heightened tensions. The Biden administration, however, continues to hold talks with Beijing, signaling that it may seek to balance competition with limited areas of cooperation.

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