Beijing evaluates impact of US research funding cuts

China is evaluating the impact of recent US moves to cut scientific research funding and halt the release of certain key datasets, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

Several Chinese government agencies, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, have launched internal reviews in recent weeks to assess potential disruptions to their work and the degree of reliance on US data, the report said.

Authorities are also studying whether unavailable US datasets can be replaced with domestic alternatives, according to sources. The reviews are being carried out quietly to avoid offering Washington leverage in future negotiations.

One area potentially affected is research into coral bleaching in the South China Sea, the report added.

STAFF REPORTER