Georgia Tech Ends Partnerships in China Amid Congressional Scrutiny - Multibagger
Georgia Tech has decided to terminate its research and educational collaborations in Tianjin and Shenzhen, China, following pressure from Congress regarding its ties to entities associated with China's military. The House of Representatives' select committee on China raised concerns about Georgia Tech's work with Tianjin University on semiconductor technologies. The Chinese school and its affiliates were placed on the U.S. Commerce Department's export restrictions list in 2020 for activities deemed detrimental to U.S. national security.
A spokesperson for Georgia Tech stated that the university has been reevaluating its stance in China since Tianjin University was added to the entity list. Despite giving ample time for corrective action, Tianjin University remains on the list, prompting Georgia Tech to end its involvement with the institution and the Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute.
While the move will impact current students at the Shenzhen institute, Georgia Tech emphasized that they will still have the opportunity to complete their degree requirements. This decision comes after Georgia Tech researchers in collaboration with Tianjin International Center for Nanoparticles and Nanosystems announced a groundbreaking achievement in semiconductor technology using graphene.
The U.S. and China, as rival powers, both recognize the strategic importance of semiconductors in various sectors, including defense and civilian applications. The select committee pointed out that the Tianjin research center has ties to a Chinese company supplying the People's Liberation Army.
Despite defending the research as transparent and legally compliant, a Georgia Tech scientist involved in the Tianjin project faced criticism from lawmakers. U.S. agencies and Congress have intensified their scrutiny of Chinese influence in American academic institutions, citing concerns over technology transfers and national security risks.
The decision by Georgia Tech to sever ties with the blacklisted Chinese entity received bipartisan support, with lawmakers urging other universities to follow suit. The move reflects broader efforts to address the challenges posed by China's state-sponsored activities and safeguard U.S. research integrity and national interests.