China has exploited partnerships with US researchers funded by the Department of Energy to gain access to sensitive nuclear and advanced technology, according to a new congressional report cited by the Associated Press.
Lawmakers warned that taxpayer-funded research has helped strengthen Beijing’s military and industrial base.
Investigators identified more than 4,300 academic papers published over the past year involving DOE-funded scientists and Chinese researchers.
China exploits US-funded research on nuclear technology, a congressional report says https://t.co/M69tMUgQgQ
— 69News Business (@69NewsBusiness) December 17, 2025
About half included researchers tied to China’s military or defense-linked industries. Some collaborations involved Chinese state-run laboratories and universities listed by the Pentagon as military-affiliated entities.
The report said the Energy Department has failed for decades to prevent federally funded research from benefiting China.
It called for stricter funding rules, standardized national security risk reviews, and better information sharing across US agencies.
Republican Rep. John Moolenaar said the findings show serious policy failures that left US research vulnerable to exploitation.
The Energy Department and the Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
