China exploits U.S.-funded research on nuclear technology, a congressional report says

Thursday, December 18, 2025 -A new congressional report warns that China has been taking advantage of U.S. taxpayer-funded scientific research to advance sensitive nuclear and high-tech developments with potential military applications. 

The investigation, led by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, found that Department of Energy–funded U.S. researchers have produced more than 4,300 joint academic papers with Chinese collaborators, including institutions linked to China’s military and state industrial systems.

The report says a significant share of these collaborations involved Chinese researchers connected to military or strategically critical sectors, raising serious national security concerns. 

Some partner institutions were reportedly tied to organizations listed by the Pentagon as linked to China’s military, as well as groups associated with cyber activity or human rights abuses. Lawmakers argue the current oversight system has failed to prevent federally funded U.S. research from indirectly strengthening China’s defense and industrial capabilities.

To close these gaps, the report recommends tighter controls on how the Department of Energy funds research involving foreign partners. Proposed measures include standardized risk assessments, stricter disclosure requirements, and stronger coordination among federal agencies. 

While congressional leaders stress the need to protect U.S. technological leadership and national security, some in the scientific community warn that overly restrictive policies could hinder legitimate international research collaboration and innovation.