Travel restrictions and policy changes during the pandemic have impacted China’s patterns of global scientific collaboration.
China’s ascent to the top of the Nature Index for contributions to natural-sciences research articles in 2022 marked a significant milestone for Chinese science. However, a closer look at the data reveals a concerning trend: while China is contributing more than ever to high-quality research, there has been a decline in international collaboration. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with policy changes and political tensions, has played a role in altering China’s patterns of global scientific collaboration.
Pandemic Hangover
China’s decline in international collaboration predates the pandemic but was further exacerbated by the strict and prolonged travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 crisis. These restrictions made it challenging for scientists to meet potential collaborators, leading to policy changes within China that made international collaboration less important for researchers’ careers. Institutions that previously required international collaborations for promotion dropped this requirement, resulting in less motivation for researchers to engage in global scientific partnerships.
The pause in funding from the Chinese Scholarship Council, which supports Chinese academics’ visits abroad, also contributed to the decline in Chinese scholars collaborating with researchers in other countries. While virtual collaboration saw a surge during the pandemic, face-to-face meetings remain crucial for initiating partnerships. The disruption caused by the pandemic is expected to have a lasting impact on collaborations, particularly in the case of US-China partnerships, where personal relationships play a significant role.
Larger Trends
Beyond the Nature Index data, larger research databases also indicate a decline in US-China collaboration even before the pandemic. While the total number of international collaborative papers increased, there was a more significant rise in papers with solely China-based authors. China’s rapid progress in domestic science has reduced the necessity for international collaboration in certain fields, as the country has ample options for producing quality research partners within its borders.
Chinese academia’s evaluation and promotion systems, which often credit only the first author of a paper, might also discourage researchers from collaborating internationally if they are likely to end up in the middle of the author list. Additionally, the Chinese government’s push for scientists to publish more in local journals further contributes to the decline in international collaborations.
A New Cold War
Political tensions between China and Western nations, fueled by concerns over technology theft and espionage, have strained collaborations. Governments have become increasingly suspicious of Chinese scientists, leading to complex visa processes and restrictions on research collaborations involving scientists with connections to foreign defense or state-security entities. These heightened suspicions and the resulting bureaucratic hurdles have discouraged some Chinese scientists from visiting Western countries.
The tense political climate has had a chilling effect on collaborations, with Chinese scientists uncertain about potential repercussions and therefore opting for caution. The restrictive policies implemented by some Western institutions have also strained relationships with Chinese collaborators, resulting in resignations and protests. However, there are still countries, particularly those participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, that remain open to collaboration with China.
Larger Implications
The decline in international collaboration does not necessarily indicate an irreversible trend. Relations between China and the West may improve in the future, as evidenced by the discontinuation of the US China Initiative and the renewal of the science and technology cooperation agreement between the United States and China. Chinese scientists remain eager to work with international peers, and China continues to prioritize international collaboration in its science and technology agenda.
While the decline in international collaboration may be a cause for concern, China’s expanding collaborative footprint with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative suggests a shift in focus from elite journals to a broader range of publications. China aims to exert wider scientific influence globally and has signed cooperative agreements with numerous countries, particularly in South America and Africa.
Conclusion:
China’s rise to the top of the Nature Index is a testament to its growing scientific prowess. However, the decline in international collaboration raises questions about the future trajectory of global scientific partnerships. The pandemic, policy changes, and political tensions have all played a role in altering China’s patterns of collaboration. While the decline is significant, it is important to note that collaborations may rebound as relations between China and the West evolve. China’s commitment to international collaboration and its expanding partnerships with other countries indicate that scientific cooperation remains a priority.
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