The European Union has officially barred Chinese organisations from its flagship Horizon Europe grants, which total €93 billion (US$110 billion), impacting critical technology areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, semiconductors, and biotechnology. This decision is motivated by concerns over research security and the potential military applications of technologies developed through these programs. Researchers in China will no longer be able to access these collaborative funding opportunities, which may hinder technological partnerships between Europe and China.

Despite the significance of this ban, experts suggest that the impact on China might be mitigated by the current state of collaboration, which has already been at a historic low. Commentators, including space scientist Wu Ji, have expressed that the policy may not as severely affect China and could instead lead to further isolation of Europe in the global tech landscape. The new regulations demand that researchers outside of China, who are applying for grants in these critical fields, must also demonstrate that their partnerships do not involve institutions owned or controlled by Chinese entities.

This move signals a broader trend in international relations, where technology and research collaborations are increasingly viewed through the lens of national security. The EU's decision reflects growing apprehensions about China's role in global technology development and the need to safeguard sensitive research from potential military exploitation. As both regions navigate these restrictions, the landscape of global scientific collaboration is likely to evolve significantly, prompting countries to reassess their technological alliances and dependencies.