China-EU academic links will face closer scrutiny

Significance

European academic and research institutions have built increasingly close links with China over the past two decades. By doing so they have increased their incomes and research output, and reduced their costs. Benefits have been emphasised and the potential risks downplayed, both at the institutional and government levels.

Impacts

• National governments will face calls to compensate for the reduction in funding and fees from China.
• European independent research on China will grow increasingly difficult.
• Researchers and institutions must prepare for potential Chinese sanctions in the future.