The Chinese government has been investing massively in research and innovation for many years. It is simultaneously pursuing the goal of closing technological gaps as well as positioning itself as a military and scientific superpower. In China, the strategy of civil-military fusion is enshrined in law and can also pertain to the use of research results. 

The development of overall conditions in and by China, including complex Chinese data legislation, means that the environment for science cooperation is becoming increasingly challenging. Collecting data in China and transferring said data from China to Germany entails considerable risks for German academics. Gaining access to databases, platforms and websites in China from Germany is subject to ever increasing restrictions. The influence of the Communist Party on Chinese research and higher education institutions can be felt within international cooperation.  

Guidelines for cooperation with China

We critically examine where and how it is appropriate and possible to work together with China. Clear guidelines are already in place – we only provide support for projects which have a clear added value for Germany and Europe. This is enshrined in the Federal Government’s Strategy on China.

At the same time, we set clear boundaries around sensitive areas. This applies, for example, to cooperation on topics that could be used for both civil or military purposes (dual-use) or for cooperation related to artificial intelligence which could be misused for surveillance purposes and human rights violations.

Responsibility of the research community

Irrespective of the form of support, the freedom of science and teaching is protected by our constitution. However, this freedom comes with a special responsibility for the science organizations and researchers. 

The guidelines and review processes for cooperation with China that have been developed and initiated by the science organizations are an important step in this direction. These processes are continuously developed and adapted to meet the growing challenges. This is an ongoing task for everyone – including individual researchers.

Expanding independent China expertise

Only when we know and understand China, can we weigh up the risks and work together safely. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is therefore firmly committed to expanding independent expertise about China throughout the entire education and research system.

According to the Federal Government's Strategy on China, independent China expertise includes:

• Language skills
• Intercultural skills
• Country-specific expertise
• Knowledge of the aims that China is pursuing through its global engagement
• Practical experience with bilateral cooperation in the context of the Chinese political system

BMBF measures to increase independent China expertise

Supporting research about modern China

We support research to obtain knowledge about modern China and improve methods of learning Chinese. Furthermore, the BMBF also supports individual projects that pursue specific goals.

Supporting regional networks with China

We have selected twelve projects to receive funding that encourage and promote building China-related expertise for the German scientific community in their respective regions.

BMBF guidance measure “China-Orientierung”

We provide information and help raise awareness across subjects and disciplines to support universities and research institutions. We give guidance based on initial legal advice (provided by a third-party law firm), thereby strengthening the sense of individual responsibility for all partners involved.

Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024