US Lawmakers Warn China Continues to Target Researchers While Urging Balance on Talent Retention
China continues to target researchers based in the United States for what officials described as malign purposes, according to warnings delivered to US lawmakers by multiple government agencies, even as those same officials stressed that security concerns should not derail efforts to attract and retain foreign born scientific talent.
During a recent hearing before a House committee, representatives from several US agencies said Beijing remains active in seeking access to sensitive research, advanced technology and academic expertise through a range of overt and covert methods. These include attempts to influence researchers, acquire proprietary information and exploit open academic environments that are central to the US innovation system.
Officials told lawmakers that China’s approach often blurs the line between legitimate academic collaboration and activities that raise national security concerns. They said some researchers may be targeted through professional networks, funding opportunities or international partnerships that appear benign but are ultimately designed to extract knowledge or data of strategic value.
At the same time, agency representatives cautioned against policies that could unintentionally undermine the United States’ long standing ability to attract global talent. They emphasized that foreign born researchers play a critical role in US science, technology and innovation, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and advanced engineering.
According to testimony, a large share of America’s research workforce is made up of immigrants and international scholars, many of whom contribute directly to economic growth and technological leadership. Officials warned that overly broad suspicion or restrictive measures could drive talent away, weakening the very research ecosystem that policymakers are seeking to protect.
Lawmakers were told that the challenge lies in striking a careful balance between safeguarding national security and preserving openness. Rather than blanket restrictions, agencies advocated for targeted risk management approaches, clearer guidelines for universities and stronger awareness programs to help researchers identify and report suspicious activity.
The discussion reflects a broader shift in Washington’s thinking about competition with China. While concerns over espionage and technology transfer remain high, there is growing recognition that aggressive enforcement or politicization of research ties can carry significant costs. In past years, several high profile investigations involving Chinese American scientists sparked debate over civil rights, academic freedom and the risk of racial profiling.
Committee members from both parties acknowledged the complexity of the issue. Some lawmakers pressed for tougher safeguards, arguing that China’s state driven strategy makes it uniquely challenging to separate civilian research from military or intelligence objectives. Others stressed that the United States must avoid creating an atmosphere of fear that discourages collaboration or stigmatizes entire communities.
US officials said improving coordination between government agencies, universities and the private sector will be essential. They also highlighted the need for clearer communication so that researchers understand compliance requirements without feeling unfairly targeted.
Beijing has consistently denied accusations of systematic intellectual property theft and says it supports normal academic exchanges based on mutual benefit. Chinese officials argue that US restrictions and scrutiny are politically motivated and risk damaging global scientific cooperation.
As strategic competition between the two countries deepens, the debate over research security is likely to intensify. The testimony before Congress suggests that while concerns about Chinese activities remain serious, US policymakers are increasingly aware that protecting innovation also means remaining open to the global talent that has long powered American scientific leadership.
