Nasa has implemented restrictions, effectively barring Chinese nationals with valid US visas from accessing its facilities, due to national security concerns. This move, confirmed by Nasa officials, limits Chinese nationals’ access to the agency’s facilities, materials, and networks. The decision intensifies the existing decline in scientific collaboration between the US and China, which has been fueled by the growing technological competition and mutual suspicion between the two nations. This restriction is part of a broader context of a space race between the two countries, with a focus not just on reaching the moon, but also on controlling its valuable resources.
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A French researcher, visiting the U.S. for a conference, was denied entry and subsequently deported after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allegedly found concerning messages on his phone. French officials expressed serious concern, citing the researcher’s affiliation with the CNRS and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the expulsion. Conflicting reports suggest the messages were characterized as either expressing personal opinions critical of Trump administration policies or as “hate and conspiracy messages,” even potentially involving terrorism accusations, though these charges were later dropped. The researcher’s electronic devices were seized prior to his deportation.
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New directives from the U.S. government are severely restricting U.S. scientists’ ability to collaborate internationally, impacting cross-border research, particularly concerning the Great Lakes. This includes a ban on virtual meetings discussing various topics, including climate change and environmental research, resulting in significant project delays and funding freezes exceeding $700,000 USD for some Canadian researchers. These actions, described as “draconian,” are hindering vital scientific progress and raising concerns about scientific isolationism. The situation has broader implications for international collaboration and data sharing, with potential long-term effects on global scientific advancement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker