The UK is increasing its efforts to build a balanced and secure science partnership with China, with Science Minister Lord Vallance leading a high-level delegation to Beijing to explore new areas of cooperation
This visit marks the 11th meeting of the UK-China Joint Commission on Science and Technology, signalling a pragmatic approach to international science collaboration that prioritises both opportunity and national security.
New avenues for global research
The UK delegation includes representatives from the National Academies, top universities and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Together, they are meeting Chinese political, academic and business leaders to identify specific areas of joint scientific work.
The discussions focus on four main fields where both nations can benefit: climate change and environmental science, planetary science and astronomy, health research, and agriculture and food innovation.
China is one of the world’s leading science and technology powers, investing nearly £380 billion annually in research and development and accounting for around a quarter of the global R&D workforce.
The UK views these discussions as a means to leverage complementary strengths for mutual benefit.
Balancing collaboration with security
While the UK wants to expand science collaboration, security is at the centre of its approach. All international science collaboration are assessed to protect UK interests, intellectual property and sensitive technologies. The government maintains that disengagement is not in the national interest, but that partnerships must be carefully managed.
This risk-aware strategy highlights a series of policies and services designed to protect UK institutions, including the Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT), the Economic Security Advisory Service, and new Secure Innovation Security Reviews for small and medium-sized enterprises. Since 2022, RCAT advisers have worked with over 150 research organisations across the country, helping them navigate potential risks while maintaining valuable global connections.
Science cooperation supporting economic growth
The latest Joint Commission meeting follows other UK efforts to deepen constructive engagement with China in sectors that benefit British jobs and industries. Earlier in the year, UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle secured more than £1 billion in market access wins for British businesses, strengthening economic ties in areas such as automotive manufacturing and food exports.
Science and innovation play a similar role in supporting sustainable economic growth. Collaboration with China could accelerate work on global challenges such as climate change, health innovation and food security.
Focus on climate and decarbonisation.
During his visit, Lord Vallance is touring key Chinese research centres, driving advances in clean energy and carbon reduction. This includes the Institute for Carbon Neutrality at Tsinghua University and the UK-China Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Centre in Guangzhou. Both initiatives bring together leading scientists and companies from the two nations to develop practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK government emphasises that this renewed cooperation is grounded in long-term strategy and the protection of national interests. While it continues to raise concerns with China over human rights, international security and data protection, it remains committed to pursuing responsible, mutually beneficial partnerships in science and research.
