Openness must not be sacrificed in US science and tech policy on China

When President Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for his planned September 24 visit – his first state-level visit to Washington in more than a decade – artificial intelligence is expected to be near the top of the agenda. Both administrations are preparing for their first formal dialogue on AI.

For much of the debate over US science and technology policy towards China, Washington has been stuck on a false choice between engagement (scientific exchange, international students and collaborative research) and security (export controls, research restrictions and visa limits). The real choice is between indiscriminate restriction and disciplined risk management.

The security concerns are genuine. Some advanced technologies have clear military or intelligence applications. Universities must take seriously undisclosed affiliations, conflicts of commitment and improper technology transfer. Federal research security policy already requires extensive disclosure of appointments, foreign support, affiliations and potential conflicts of interest and commitment. Advanced computing, semiconductors, quantum science, biotechnology and AI all raise legitimate national security questions, largely because so much of the work is dual-use[end optional trim.