China Opposes US Defense Department Sanctions on Research Entities

China's Ministry of Commerce expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on July 29 after the U.S. Department of Defense updated its Section 1286 list of foreign research institutions subject to sanctions. A ministry spokesperson accused Washington of overextending national security concepts, creating discriminatory barriers, and politicizing scientific research. Beijing urged the U.S. to correct its actions and provide non-discriminatory treatment, while pledging to take necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights of Chinese research entities.

The expansion of the U.S. Department of Defense's Section 1286 list heightens technology decoupling risks between the United States and China. By targeting academic and research institutions, these administrative sanctions directly threaten joint research initiatives, talent exchanges, and cross-border innovation in critical scientific fields.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on July 29 following the U.S. Department of Defense's decision to update its sanctions list targeting foreign scientific research institutions. The U.S. Department of Defense updated its list of foreign research institutions engaging in problematic activities—commonly known as the Section 1286 list—on July 23, Eastern Time. The revision officially placed sanctions on several Chinese research organizations, imposing new hurdles on cross-border technological collaboration and research partnerships. Addressing the move on July 29, a spokesperson for MOFCOM stated that the Chinese government strongly opposes the sanctions. The spokesperson accused the U.S. of repeatedly overextending national security concepts, creating discriminatory barriers, and effectively politicizing, weaponizing, and instrumentalizing scientific research cooperation. According to the ministry, such restrictive measures directly hinder normal academic exchanges between China and the United States, running counter to the broader trend of global scientific and technological innovation cooperation. Beijing urged Washington to stop what it described as groundless smearing of Chinese scientific research institutions and to correct its erroneous practices as quickly as possible. The spokesperson called on the U.S. to ensure fair, just, and non-discriminatory treatment for Chinese research entities moving forward. The ministry further announced that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and lawful interests of domestic research organizations, while continuing to shield normal international scientific and technological exchange from external disruption. The dispute underscores persistent friction in the U.S.-China technology relationship. As security concerns increasingly shape bilateral policy, both governments face growing scrutiny over academic exchanges and dual-use technological development. China's firm response indicates that Beijing intends to defend its domestic research capabilities and challenge U.S. administrative restrictions on international academic networks.