German Education and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger has urged universities to carefully evaluate existing and future collaborations with China following the recent arrest of three German citizens on suspicion of espionage.
“The arrests serve as a stark reminder that we cannot be naive in our dealings with China,” Stark-Watzinger, a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), told German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche. “We must meticulously weigh the risks and benefits of cooperation, particularly in scientific research and university partnerships. This necessitates a review of existing collaborations.”
Last week, German authorities apprehended a married couple and another individual in the western cities of Dusseldorf and Bad Homburg. The suspects are accused of acquiring information on military technology with the intention of passing it on to Chinese intelligence. According to the federal prosecutor’s office, the information targeted research projects that could potentially bolster China’s naval capabilities.
Stark-Watzinger said that government support for collaborative projects would hinge on a clear demonstration of “added value” for Germany and Europe. However, she reassured that Berlin remains committed to “expanding independent expertise on China.”
