Preventing PLA Acquisition of United States Technology Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, the bill will significantly reform the existing framework regarding U.S.-China collaboration in technological research. It specifically restricts federal agencies, institutions of higher education, and private companies from forming partnerships with Chinese entities classified as having military ties. This includes broad categories of technology fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, establishing a list of prohibited areas that is to be maintained by the Secretary of Defense.
Summary
House Bill 2993, titled the 'Preventing PLA Acquisition of United States Technology Act of 2023', aims to counteract the military-civil fusion strategies employed by the Chinese Communist Party. This act is focused on preventing U.S. involvement in the development of technologies that could potentially be utilized for military purposes by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in China. The bill establishes prohibitions against U.S. entities engaging in scientific research or technical exchanges with designated Chinese entities of concern that have a direct relation to dual-use technologies prioritized by China's national strategy.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between national security interests and the potential impacts on educational and technological exchanges. Supporters argue that this legislation is crucial for protecting U.S. intellectual property and technological advancements from exploitation by foreign adversaries. Critics, however, express concerns that the restrictions may hinder collaborative research efforts that could benefit both nations, also risking further isolation in an increasingly interconnected academic landscape.