The case for the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement
Sep 7, 2023
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Karen Hao, reporter recently with Wall Street Journal, and Deborah Seligsohn, an assistant professor of political science, discuss the importance of renewing the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement. They address concerns about IP theft, explore the consequences of ending scientific collaboration with China, and discuss alternative scenarios for cooperation.
The US-China Science and Technology Agreement has facilitated advancements in various fields and fostered global cooperation on public health, climate change, and renewable energy.
The potential non-renewal of the STA could hinder scientific advancement, disrupt ongoing research collaborations, and impede important public health initiatives.
Deep dives
The importance of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement
The US-China Science and Technology Agreement, also known as the STA, has been a crucial framework for collaboration between the two countries for the past 44 years. The agreement was initially signed to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the US and China, but it has had far-reaching benefits beyond just the science. It has facilitated mutual stabilizing geopolitical relations, allowed for the exchange of valuable knowledge and resources, and fostered advancements in various fields such as public health, climate change, and renewable energy. By collaborating, both nations have made significant progress in addressing global challenges and developing innovative solutions. However, the future of the STA is uncertain, and there are concerns that its non-renewal could hinder scientific advancement, disrupt ongoing research collaborations, and impede important public health initiatives, especially in the areas of AIDS prevention, disease control, and climate change. The potential loss of the STA highlights the need for continued and enhanced cooperation between the US and China to ensure progress and tackle pressing global issues.
The complex relationship between technology, progress, and power
The book 'Power in Progress' by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson explores the intricate connection between technology, progress, and power throughout human history. It challenges the commonly held notion that technological advancements automatically lead to progress, highlighting how power dynamics and the distribution of resources often determine who benefits from technology. The book delves into the ways in which technology has been shaped by and has shaped different social structures, emphasizing that progress is not guaranteed for all but is often skewed in favor of the elites. By examining historical developments and the societal implications of technology, the authors provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between technological innovations, power structures, and the pursuit of progress.
How the GOP's stance on abortion endangers public health initiatives
An article in The New Yorker titled 'Abortion Opponents Are Targeting a Signature GOP Public Health Initiative' sheds light on the potential consequences of mixing global abortion politics with public health initiatives. The article highlights how the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a groundbreaking public health program aimed at addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis, is now under threat due to attempts to prohibit health facilities that provide abortion services from receiving PEPFAR funding. This misguided effort to derail a crucial public health program not only jeopardizes years of progress in combating HIV/AIDS but also hampers related initiatives such as public health collaborations and technology-sharing among nations. The article serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of public health initiatives and avoiding the politicization of vital global health programs.
The Chinese TV series 'Kings War'
The Chinese TV series 'Kings War' (Chuhan Chai-nxi) offers a captivating portrayal of the fall of the Qing dynasty and the ensuing power struggle during the Interregnum period. This historical drama explores the dynamics between key figures like Liu Bong and Shao Yu, delving into their complex characters and their contributions to Chinese history. 'Kings War' presents a nuanced view of these historical events, showcasing the moral ambiguity and the multifaceted nature of these iconic figures. With remarkable performances and a riveting storyline, the series provides an engaging and immersive experience for viewers interested in Chinese history and culture.
This week on Sinica, Kaiser is joined by Karen Hao, a reporter recently with the Wall Street Journal whose previous work with the MIT Technology Review has been featured on Sinica; and by Deborah Seligsohn, assistant professor of political science at Villanova University, who has been on the show many times just in the last three years. Both Karen and Deborah have written persuasively about the importance of renewing the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement, first signed in 1979 shortly after the normalization of U.S.-China relations under Jimmy Carter and renewed, for the most part, every five years without much fuss — until this year. Karen and Debbi make clear what has been accomplished under the agreement's auspices, and why GOP concerns are largely misplaced.
03:45 – The origins of the STA and the reasons for establishing it
07:34 – Criticisms against the agreement — the question of IP theft and PLA’s engagement
17:53 – What is the real reason behind such a strong opposition towards the agreement?
22:23 – How have the dynamics between China and the U.S. contribution to the STA changed over the years?
30:36 – The consequences of ending the scientific relationship with China on the example of the terminated space exploration cooperation
35:23 – Which specific projects would be put on hold in case of lack of renewal of scientific cooperation with China?
41:23 – Other scenarios for cooperation in the area of AI in the possible absence of the STA
50:10 – Are there parts of the agreement that should be enhanced or improved?
53:50 – What’s the chance for a renewal of the agreement after the six-month extension?