Navigating Research Security: Experts Debate Collaboration with China

On September 10, 2025, the second iteration of the CEE-Nordic Dialogue on China was co-organized by the Swedish National China Centre at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) and China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE) – this time focusing on the topic of research security.

Research security has become a prominent and sometimes contentious topic in European discussions about international collaboration, especially in relation to China. While China is viewed both as a systemic rival and an attractive research partner, countries and institutions across Europe are grappling with how to balance the opportunities and risks involved.

This roundtable brought together around 30 analysts and policymakers from Nordic and Central and Eastern European countries to share perspectives, highlight national differences, and discuss how best to navigate the evolving landscape of research security. The discussion highlighted a clear shift: research collaboration with China is now viewed through a more skeptical lens, not dissimilar to the evolution that economic engagement with China has undergone. Still, there was optimism that a growing recognition of China’s role as a science nation and increasing understanding of risks will help foster smarter collaboration in the future.