“China, not the U.S., is the ultimate beneficiary of DoD and other [U. S. government] research investments.” This is the shocking conclusion coming from a Pentagon report revealing federally funded research companies in the U.S. are being bought out by China. The Department of Defense report was obtained by Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.
Ernst is leading the effort to look into China’s involvement in American research companies. An example given from the report involves a U.S. tech company given federal funds to develop space and drone technologies. They were recruited by China, dissolved their company, and now work for China’s defense team. Ernst said this has happened over and over again, accounting for tens of millions of taxpayer dollars ultimately ending up in the hands of China.
The recent findings have led to swift action in Congress. The Senate unanimously approved a bill to better assess U.S. companies receiving grants for research and to closely monitor any ties they may have with China. The house will likely vote on it next week.