Danish government puts new restrictions on Chinese research co-operation

More restrictions have been put on the research collaboration between Denmark and China.

This is after the Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, visited China to sign an adjusted cooperation agreement, which includes keeping certain research areas off-limits for collaboration.

It is no secret that our two countries view a number of things differently

Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science

In a press release, Christina Egelund explains that the restrictions apply to areas such as quantum, space, and defence research, while stressing that Denmark must exercise caution when engaging in research collaboration with China.

»It is no secret that our two countries view a number of things differently, and that we in Denmark are now tightening our approach to collaborating with China,« says the minister.

China has long been accused of engaging in research espionage, and Chinese researchers have collaborated with the Chinese military in projects abroad — including in Denmark.

READ ALSO: Warning of  espionage: Yet Danish universities are still sending students to China

Most recently, the Chinese company BGI Group, which specialises in genetic research, has been blacklisted by several Danish universities due to concerns over data misuse. The company is also accused of working with the Chinese military.

Speaking to the University Post, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) issued a warning in September 2024 about real threats in the Danish-Chinese research collaboration.

»It is PET’s assessment that the Chinese state is willing to go to great lengths to pursue its strategic interests in the scientific and technological fields, and that there is a risk of unlawful or undesirable Chinese transfer of knowledge and technology, particularly in the areas that China prioritises strategically,« the agency said at the time.

READ ALSO: Deputy Director: International spying a future threat to research

Ongoing green collaboration

Speaking to the Danish media site Jyllands-Posten, Christina Egelund elaborated on the new, restricted collaboration between Denmark and China, which, according to the media, also involves stricter rules regarding student exchanges between the two countries.

The minister’s visit to China comes in the context of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Denmark and China.

Despite the new agreement, Christina Egelund emphasised that Danish-Chinese research collaboration will continue.

»In areas such as green research, climate change, the environment, and global health, China is an important partner — not only for Denmark but for the whole world,« the minister said in the press release.