China Exploits Research Collaborations in Australia and New Zealand for Military Gain

Strider Technologies has released a report detailing extensive collaborations between Australian and New Zealand universities and Chinese state-linked institutions, particularly the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Since 2020, over 6,000 scientific papers have been co-authored by more than 80 Australian organizations with PLA-affiliated entities, while over 500 publications involve more than 10 New Zealand organizations. These partnerships focus on dual-use technologies, including artificial intelligence and aerospace systems, which have significant military applications. The report identifies collaborations with the 'Seven Sons of National Defence' and highlights over 150 joint publications with the PLA National University of Defence Technology. Eric Levesque, President of Strider, emphasizes that these collaborations pose a systemic risk to national security. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has previously warned about espionage efforts by the PRC targeting Australian innovation. The report calls for universities to reassess their research partnerships with Chinese entities.

Key Points: • Over 6,000 papers co-authored by Australian researchers with PLA-affiliated entities since 2020. • Collaboration includes dual-use technologies with military applications like AI and aerospace systems. • Strider report urges universities to end research contributing to China's military advancements.