University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation

In recent years, China has made noticeable progress in its quest to become a global science and technology (S&T) power. EU leaders see China as both a competitor and as a partner for scientific cooperation. The European Union benefits immensely from cooperating with China and has expectations regarding access to Chinese markets, knowledge, personnel and funding opportunities. However, China–EU S&T cooperation has also met a number of challenges, including the infringement of intellectual property rights (IPR), increasing competition from the Chinese high-tech sector, limited market access for European companies, and Chinese “indigenous innovation” measures. In addition, some analysts have raised concerns about the potential security impact of European technology transfers to China. While Europeans need to develop a greater awareness of potential security implications of their cooperation with China, this cooperation will be essential if the EU wants to maintain its position as a global S&T leader. The best way to stay ahead in the global S&T race is not to follow a strategy of “scientific containment,” but to strengthen Europe’s own innovative capabilities.