Why It Matters:
Chinese scientists living in the United States have for decades contributed to research efforts driving developments in advanced technology and science. But a growing number of them may now be looking elsewhere for work, as deteriorating geopolitical relations fuel extra scrutiny of Chinese researchers and Beijing ramps up efforts to recruit and retain talent.
The Big Picture:
Between 2010 and 2021, the number of Chinese scientists leaving the United States has steadily increased, according to new research published last month. If the trend continues, experts warn that the brain drain could deal a major blow to U.S. research efforts in the long run.
Key Points:
- The increasing political tensions between China and the United States and the US government’s discriminatory policy against Chinese scientists have led Chinese scientists to consider returning to their country.
- According to the report, the US government has been severely discriminating against Chinese-American scientists in the past 10 years.
- According to a study published in PNAS in 2023, more than a third of Chinese-American scientists feel rejected by the United States, and nearly 70 percent of them are concerned about the US government's investigation of Chinese researchers.
What He Is Saying:
- Hu Xijin, a journalist, analyst, and former editor-in-chief of the Global Times newspaper wrote in a post on the social network Weibo, referring to the new wave of Chinese scientists fleeing the United States: "Following the discriminatory policies of the United States, especially the action against China plan that began in 2018, a wave of Chinese scientists returning to the United States has gradually begun.
- According to the journalist, the plan was aimed at controlling Chinese scientists suspected of having ties to the Chinese government, which ultimately led to the formation of many false and inaccurate cases.
- Hu Xijin stated that these unpleasant conditions and Washington's unprincipled policies have made Chinese-American scientists feel insecure and decide to leave the United States, adding: "Many scientists, including Chen Jing, a computer scientist, and Hu Yijian, a prominent biostatistician who had taught at Emory University for more than 13 years, joined Peking University as full-time professors this year."
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