Challenges Faced by Foreign Researchers in China Amid Tightening Restrictions
Foreign researchers in China are facing increasing restrictions amid a tightening security environment, with significant changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many still feel welcomed, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 foreign researchers currently reside in China, a stark contrast to the 100,000 in the United States. Stricter data laws and an atmosphere of suspicion further complicate their situation.
Foreign researchers in China are currently facing increasing challenges due to tighter restrictions and a more authoritarian, security-focused environment, exacerbated by new data laws and regulations following the COVID-19 pandemic. While many academics still feel welcomed, the number of foreign researchers in the country remains low, estimated between 5,000 and 10,000 compared to over 100,000 in the United States.
The stringent management of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to this decline. Foreign nationals encountered stringent lockdown measures and were often barred from returning if they left the country. According to Halldór Berg Harðarson, a former Euraxess director, these measures were detrimental to retaining foreign talents as evident from a Euraxess survey indicating that 40–50% of foreign academics had departed by late 2022.
Moreover, foreign researchers experienced an uncomfortable environment during the pandemic, marked by hostility from locals who associated them with the virus. This atmosphere highlighted the considerable power that the Chinese state could exert in controlling circumstances, as noted by Kārlis Rokpelnis, a social scientist.
In addition to pandemic-related challenges, China has introduced stringent data laws impacting academic collaborations. Annina Lattu from Peking University emphasizes that China’s regulations are among the strictest globally, creating confusion about what research data can be shared internationally. Joint projects have stumbled due to ambiguity in these legalities, particularly the Data Security Law which could necessitate official clearance for certain research data.
Concerns have also arisen regarding academic freedom, with increasing vigilance regarding potential espionage. Researchers have noted the appearance of posters warning of foreign spies, although many have not personally felt targeted. The situation exemplifies a complex scenario for foreign scholars striving to navigate the evolving landscape of research freedom in China.
In summary, foreign researchers in China are grappling with tightening restrictions influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and newly implemented data laws, which have made their working environment more challenging and uncertain. The decrease in their numbers, coupled with the political and social dynamics, raises crucial questions about the future of academic collaboration and freedom in the country. The limitations imposed by the Chinese government, along with the lingering effects of the pandemic, complicate foreign researchers’ experiences, warranting careful navigation moving forward.
Original Source: www.nature.com
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