China voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Wednesday following a decision by the United States Department of Defense to place several Chinese research institutions on a foreign sanctions list. Beijing warned that it will take all necessary countermeasures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its academic and scientific organizations while ensuring a supportive environment for international scientific cooperation.
In a formal statement reported by state media, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce criticized Washington for continuously overstretching the concept of national security to justify economic and academic restrictions. The official accused the United States of erecting discriminatory barriers and politicizing, weaponizing, and instrumentalizing scientific research collaboration.
The ministry noted that these unilateral measures undermine established exchanges and institutional cooperation between the scientific communities of both nations. Beijing emphasized that such actions run directly counter to the broader global trend of international collaboration in scientific research and technological innovation.
China urged the United States government to immediately stop making unwarranted accusations against Chinese research bodies, correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, and ensure that Chinese research organizations receive fair, just, and non-discriminatory treatment on the global stage.
The sharp response from Beijing follows an update released by the US Department of Defense listing foreign entities deemed to be engaging in problematic activities. The updated sanctions list encompasses several Chinese defense-related academies as well as prominent civilian higher education institutions, including Shanghai's prestigious Fudan University.
