Australia has terminated academic and research collaborations with two Chinese institutions, citing national security concerns.
Key facts
- •Foreign Minister Penny Wong ordered the end of the partnerships earlier this month.
- •The Australian National University is ending its teaching partnership with Shandong University.
- •The University of Queensland's research collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences was cancelled.
- •The cancelled research project involved developing pain relief from a native plant.
- •The decision follows similar moves by the United States to restrict research entities from China.
The Australian government has ordered the termination of partnerships with two Chinese universities, citing national security grounds. Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued the directive, which has prompted concerns that Australia is aligning its research security policies with those of the United States.
Terminated Academic Collaborations
The Australian National University (ANU) confirmed it will end its teaching partnership with Shandong University following the Foreign Minister's order. In a statement, ANU noted that it takes risks related to foreign interference and national security seriously. Additionally, a research collaboration between the University of Queensland and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been cancelled. This project was focused on developing pain relief treatments derived from a native plant.
Strategic Implications
The decision follows expanded restrictions on Chinese research entities implemented by the United States. Analysts have suggested that while these moves may not impede scientific progress in China, they could potentially limit Australia's access to top-tier scientific research.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by South China Morning Post.
