Unraveling China’s 6G Ambitions and the Dual Role of U.S. Experts in Global Tech Supremacy
Executive Summary
This report delves into the intricate dynamics of global technological competition, with a specific focus on the CCP’s ambitious strides in 6G technology and the complex involvement of U.S. talent. It uncovers the critical role of institutions like the Eastern Institute of Technology and the Eastern Institute of Advanced Study in China's tech expansion, particularly highlighting the development of the Ningbo Oriental University of Science and Technology. This development is a testament to China's strategic planning and significant investment in research and innovation.
Central to the narrative is China's Kunpeng Plan, a strategic talent acquisition initiative reminiscent of the Thousand Talents Program. The plan's aggressive approach to attract global talents, including U.S. 6G researchers like Bodong Shang, indicates a direct challenge to the U.S.'s technological dominance. Shang's move from U.S. defense-funded research to a key role in Chinese technological initiatives raises alarm about the potential transfer of sensitive technologies and knowledge.
A significant part of the report focuses on Lingjia Liu, a close associate of Bodong Shang, and a prominent U.S. scientist with deep ties in future telecommunications research. His extensive background and role leading the National Spectrum Consortium (NSC) place him at the forefront of U.S. technological research on 5G and Beyond 5G funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). However, his collaborations with entities like Purple Mountain Laboratories and relations to talent and technology transfer programs, while also linked to the Chinese military and Huawei, cast a shadow over these associations, highlighting the dual-use potential of scientific research in areas critical to national defense.
The report emphasizes the broader implications for U.S. national security, noting the complex nature of international scientific collaborations and the potential risks they pose. It underscores the need for stringent vetting processes for international collaborations, particularly with entities tied to foreign military or state-sponsored research institutions.
Strategic policy recommendations include enhanced oversight of research projects, strict control of information sharing, and a comprehensive understanding of the end-use of collaborative research outputs. The United States is urged to maintain strategic vigilance, monitor collaborations, and ensure that partnerships with foreign entities do not compromise U.S. strategic advantages or national security.
In conclusion, the report asserts the critical need for the U.S. to navigate the fine line between fostering open scientific collaboration and protecting sensitive technologies from foreign exploitation. By implementing robust measures, the U.S. can safeguard its technological supremacy and national security in the face of complex global research environments and emerging technological rivalries.
