The ongoing allure of China engagement in the face of national security risks: the case of Australia-China scientific university collaboration

Abstract

Since the 1990s, there has been a proliferation in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medical collaboration (STEMM collaboration) between Australian and Chinese universities and academics, which has produced divisions over the scientific, economic, human rights, and national security implications. Drawing on interviews with 22 academics and the works of public commentators I present the range of perceptions on STEMM collaboration: Pragmatic, Cosmopolitan, CCP-critic, and Leftist. I trace how Pragmatic and Cosmopolitan perceptions, which promote deep China engagement, are the most influential over the Australian government and university leadership strategy due to the economic and scientific opportunities that China presents. However, CCP-critics, who highlight the national security and human rights risks involved, are increasingly influential over how the government and university administrators and leaders perceive and manage the relationship. Lastly, according to the academics I interviewed, academic freedom means the freedom to pursue research without external influence. Shaped by individual experiences and assumptions regarding China, academics differ over what academic freedom should protect to maximise the benefits of STEMM collaboration while minimising risks. Overall, my findings suggest that geopolitical competition and perceptions of the risks and opportunities of China engagement shape STEMM collaboration and the academic freedom of academics.