U.S. legislators are pressing the Department of Defense for explanations regarding its oversight of a scientist who, despite receiving substantial federal research grants, was found to be transferring potentially sensitive research on advanced artificial intelligence to China, as reported exclusively by Newsweek.
The chairs of multiple House committees and subcommittees have raised concerns and inquiries with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) regarding their oversight of the Chinese-born scientist, Song-Chun Zhu. This scrutiny follows revelations by Newsweek in November 2023 detailing Zhu’s receipt of over $30 million in U.S. grants for cutting-edge artificial intelligence research with potential military applications.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in light of the escalating competition between the U.S. and China across various domains, including scientific and military advancements. They underscored the critical importance of safeguarding national security interests by halting federal support for Chinese AI development amid geopolitical tensions with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The legislators have urged the Pentagon to furnish comprehensive documentation related to all grants awarded to Zhu, internal communications pertaining to his research, details of his DoD-funded projects, and a list of current grant recipients residing in China.
Furthermore, the committees highlighted the broader issue of technology loss to Beijing, citing Zhu’s case as emblematic of a larger problem in research security. Zhu’s relocation to China in 2020 to establish prominent AI institutes underscores the significance of preventing knowledge transfer that could compromise national interests.
The letters also shed light on Zhu’s affiliations with Chinese state talent recruitment programs aimed at acquiring advanced technologies, raising concerns about the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.
In response to these developments, the legislators called for enhanced efforts by U.S. universities to address threats posed by foreign adversaries accessing sensitive research funded by federal grants. They emphasized the imperative for universities to take proactive measures to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in grant funding processes.
The ongoing scrutiny of Zhu’s activities underscores the need for a comprehensive review of technology collaboration policies to safeguard national interests without impeding global scientific exchange. The legislators stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between fostering innovation and protecting vital research assets from unauthorized exploitation.
The lawmakers also highlighted the significant federal funding received by UCLA, emphasizing the shared responsibility of universities and government agencies in preventing taxpayer dollars from benefiting researchers with ties to foreign military entities.
Zhu’s trajectory from academia in the U.S. to establishing AI research institutions in China underscores the strategic importance of addressing knowledge transfer risks and safeguarding sensitive technologies from unauthorized dissemination.
The legislators’ inquiries underscore the critical need for stringent oversight and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized technology transfer, particularly in sensitive research areas like artificial intelligence with profound military implications.
