Today, China is an important actor in the international research and innovation landscape. In key areas such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, as well as large research infrastructures, China is now among the world leaders. China is thus a relevant partner for German researchers, yet the cooperation is currently subject to controversial discussion in science, politics and the media.
But there are good reasons for working with China.
Managing global challenges such as climate change or pandemics requires international approaches and strategies. Cooperation with China is also important when it comes to maintaining Germany’s competitiveness as an innovation and research location. This involves access to knowledge and infrastructure. Chinese scientists also currently play an important role in the German academic system. Furthermore, research cooperation fosters both knowledge and a sociopolitical effect with its “science diplomacy”: By means of dialogue and meetings, cooperation transfers knowledge about people, society and living conditions in China and Germany.
Working with China therefore is and remains worthwhile, but relevant questions need to be considered. What value does cooperation bring, what goals are involved, and what basic requirements are necessary? These questions should be clarified in advance. Strategic, interest-led cooperation means regularly checking these aspects, addressing problems, and ending cooperation if necessary.
While a responsible way of handling risks is important, this will not be achieved by even more laws and regulations. These simply lead to more bureaucracy that increasingly paralyses scientific work and thus goes against a country’s innovative power. A prerequisite for informed management is, however, expertise on China – and not only at universities but also government authorities and in administration and politics. This involves not only intercultural schooling, but also specific information on the Chinese research landscape and its key stakeholders, for example.
Not least, it is important to speak to China, not just about them, as shaping cooperation requires a proactive approach in view of differing framework requirements and moral values. This means working on a sustainable consensus, again and again, even when it is difficult. The Leopoldina significantly supports this via its involvement in the national dialogue on China as well as in the direct cooperation with its Chinese partners.
By Ruth Narmann and Saskia Steiger
Ruth Narmann has headed the International Relations Department at the Leopoldina since June 2023. Beforehand, she was a sinologist who had been active at the Leopoldina since 2011 and was vice-head of the department from 2013. Saskia Steiger is a sinologist and sociologist and has been the senior officer for relationships to China and India at the International Relations department since 2024.