China's Strategy on Scientific Collaboration and National Security

This technical report outlines the strategies employed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to achieve global leadership in science and technology (S&T) and the implications for Australia and New Zealand's national security. It details how the PRC leverages international collaborations and recruits foreign talent, particularly through research institutes affiliated with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The report highlights the risks posed by these collaborations to the integrity of the innovation ecosystems in Australia and New Zealand. In response, both governments have implemented measures to safeguard their research environments, including the establishment of the University Foreign Interference Taskforce in Australia and guidelines from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. The report provides findings on the extent of collaboration between Australian and New Zealand organizations and PLA-affiliated institutes, emphasizing the need for both countries to eliminate such partnerships to protect national security. The document includes appendices detailing the methodology and profiles of select PLA-RIs.