Georgia Tech Ends China Partnerships Amid National Security Concerns

Georgia Tech has terminated its research and educational partnerships with Chinese cities Tianjin and Shenzhen following Congressional scrutiny. The U.S. university's collaboration with Tianjin University, added to the U.S. Commerce Department's export restrictions list, raised national security concerns. Approximately 300 students in Shenzhen will complete their programs despite the discontinuation.

Georgia Tech is terminating its research and educational partnerships in Tianjin and Shenzhen, following Congressional scrutiny over links to entities associated with China's military. The House of Representatives' committee in May requested details on Georgia Tech's semiconductor research collaboration with Tianjin University, which is on the U.S. Commerce Department list for activities contrary to national security.

Since Tianjin University's inclusion on the export restrictions list, Georgia Tech had been reassessing its collaborations. "Tianjin University has had ample time to correct the situation. To date, it remains on the Entity List, making Georgia Tech's participation no longer tenable," spokesperson Abbigail Tumpey said. The university will also withdraw from the Shenzhen institute, but current students will be allowed to complete their degrees.

China's embassy in Washington criticized the move as an "unwarranted smear campaign," opposing the politicization of educational cooperation. Earlier accomplishments, such as creating the first functional semiconductor from graphene, highlighted the intensity of U.S. and Chinese scientific rivalry. U.S. agencies and Congress have increased scrutiny of Chinese influence on American academic institutions, reflecting broader geopolitical and security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)