US Lawmakers Criticize Biden Administration for Extending US-China Science Agreement

"Select Committee raises national security concerns over the renewal of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement, calls for delay until new administration takes office."

Washington DC [US], December 15: Members of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCP), led by Chairman John Moolenaar, have strongly criticized the Biden administration’s decision to extend the US-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) for another five years. The move has drawn bipartisan concerns about its potential risks to US national security, intellectual property, and human rights.

Despite repeated calls from Congress to either suspend the agreement or introduce stricter safeguards, the Biden administration has opted to renew the STA. This decision has prompted lawmakers to issue a stern letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging immediate suspension of renewal efforts.

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Criticism of Timing and Lack of Safeguards

Lawmakers argue that renewing the STA in the final days of the current administration could restrict the incoming administration's ability to renegotiate or exit the agreement.

The letter reads, "We urge you to immediately suspend efforts to renew the US-PRC STA before January 20, 2025. If the Biden Administration is confident their new agreement with the PRC will adequately protect US national security, they should have no problem making the case for renewal to the incoming administration."

Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives passed the "Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act," introduced by Representative Andy Barr. While the bill is still awaiting enactment, it mandates a 15-day notification period before any STA renewal and requires explicit protections for human rights and restrictions on dual-use research with potential military applications.

Critics allege the Biden administration has overlooked these safeguards, raising concerns over its approach to US-China scientific collaborations.

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Concerns Over National Security and Technology Transfer

The STA extension comes amid growing scrutiny of US-China relations, particularly in areas involving technology transfer and national security. Critics warn that ongoing scientific exchanges could inadvertently aid China’s development of advanced technologies with military applications, posing a threat to US interests.

Lawmakers argue that the administration’s decision to renew the agreement without incorporating necessary protections disregards Congress's concerns and risks undermining US security and technological leadership.

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Call for Delay and Transparency

Chairman Moolenaar and his colleagues have called for greater transparency and accountability in renewing the STA. They are pushing for any decision to be postponed until after January 20, 2025, allowing the next administration the opportunity to reassess and renegotiate the terms of the agreement.

“This is a critical moment for our national security. It’s imperative that any collaboration with China protects American interests and doesn’t compromise our position,” a committee member stated.