In a recent letter, eleven US senators urged Energy Secretary Chris Wright to ban Chinese nationals from accessing US national laboratories. They argue that granting such access poses a risk to national security, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence advancements, which the Department of Energy (DOE) is trying to accelerate through a program called Genesis Mission.
1. Access Concerns: Approximately 3,200 Chinese nationals were granted access to sensitive research facilities in FY2024. This number doesn’t include other potential Chinese citizens working in these labs.
2. Espionage Risks: Senators emphasized that allowing Chinese nationals to work in these labs could facilitate espionage, as the Chinese government can compel its citizens to assist in intelligence activities.
3. Insufficient Safeguards: There are concerns that current vetting processes for these scientists are inadequate, and the volume of individuals seeking access exceeds the DOE’s capacity to scrutinize effectively.
4. Previous Reports: A December House report highlighted that the DOE had funded advanced technology research involving Chinese partners, underlining ongoing defense research connections.
The senators believe that ending Chinese scientists' presence in US national labs is crucial to protect national interests and the goals of the Genesis Mission, aimed at boosting AI innovation competitively. The Department of Energy has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter.
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/us-senators-want-ban-chinese-students-government-labs
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