Dutch higher education and scientific research has to do with political influence from China, according to a first Friday reconnaissance from Clingendael Institute. Political influence mainly occurs through incitement to self-censorship, whether direct or indirect, in people who work with or in China.
This includes researchers and policy makers at universities, students or directors of academic publishing houses.
For the exploration, the knowledge institute interviewed about a hundred scientists, students and other involved parties on an anonymous basis. This is an initial study among a limited group.
Virtually all of the researchers interviewed said they were self-censored when it came to China. They also avoided politically sensitive topics for China or tried to “keep that kind of research under the radar”. “This is not only about stopping research into the Uyghurs, but also about research into working conditions in China,” explains researcher Ingrid d’Hooghe of the Clingendael Institute. NRC.
The main tools to promote self-censorship have been found to be visa denials by the Chinese Embassy, to end Chinese research funding and to curtail cooperation with Chinese partners.
Influencing goes against scientific integrity
Although the researchers interviewed do not perceive China’s influence on a personal level as a problem, the authors say the development is a cause for concern. This is partly because it goes against values of academic freedom and scientific integrity. It also affects the Dutch knowledge position with regard to China.
It is therefore important that the government and knowledge institutions pay attention to the problem, the authors write. Among other things, they recommend raising awareness of the risks of political influence in cooperation and continuously monitoring political influence.
Collaboration with China is important for Dutch science and higher education. For example, Chinese students and doctoral candidates are an important source of income and knowledge. All Dutch universities also collaborate with China and Chinese knowledge institutions.
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