US lawmakers demand to scrap China science agreement renewal deal
US Lawmakers Criticize Biden's Extension of US-China Science Agreement
Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee of Chinese Communist Party (SCCP) and his colleagues have expressed strong disapproval of the Biden administration's decision to extend the US-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) for another five years. This decision was made despite Congress's repeated requests to either suspend the agreement or implement stronger safeguards to protect US national security, human rights, and intellectual property.
In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Moolenaar and other lawmakers argue that renewing the STA in the final days of the current administration is an attempt to "tie the hands" of the incoming administration. They believe this move would limit the new leadership's ability to exit the agreement or negotiate a better deal for Americans.
The letter urges the suspension of efforts to renew the US-PRC STA before January 20, 2025. Lawmakers suggest that if the Biden Administration is confident in their new agreement with China, they should be able to justify the 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. This pending bill would require a 15-day notification period before any STA renewal and mandate explicit protections for human rights and restrictions on dual-use research.
Lawmakers have criticized the Biden Administration for ignoring these safeguards, raising concerns over US intellectual property and security. Moolenaar and his colleagues argue that the lack of protections shows a disregard for Congress's concerns and questions the impact of continued US-China scientific collaboration.
The STA extension comes amid growing bipartisan scrutiny of US-China relations, especially regarding national security and technology transfer. Critics argue that scientific exchanges with China could aid in developing advanced technologies with military applications, potentially undermining US security interests.
As the Biden Administration proceeds with the STA extension, lawmakers call for greater transparency and accountability, stressing that any renewal should be delayed until after January 20, 2025, to allow the next administration to review and potentially renegotiate the agreement.
Doubts Revealed
US Lawmakers
US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States. They are like the members of parliament in India.
Biden
Biden refers to Joe Biden, who is the President of the United States. He is like the Prime Minister of India but for the US.
US-China Science Agreement
The US-China Science Agreement is a deal between the United States and China to work together on science and technology projects. It's like two friends deciding to do a school project together.
John Moolenaar
John Moolenaar is a US lawmaker, similar to an MP in India. He is one of the people who make laws in the United States.
Congress
In the US, Congress is the group of people who make laws, like the Parliament in India. It has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
STA
STA stands for Science and Technology Agreement. It's a deal between countries to work together on science and technology.
Dual-use research
Dual-use research means scientific studies that can be used for both good and bad purposes. For example, a medicine that can heal but also be used as a poison.
Transparency and accountability
Transparency means being open and clear about what is happening. Accountability means being responsible for actions and decisions, like when you have to explain why you did something.
January 20, 2025
January 20, 2025, is a future date. In the US, it's important because it's when a new president might start their job if there is an election.
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