Yau Shing-Tung, a celebrated Chinese-American mathematician, has urged China to prioritize innovation and original scientific discovery. Having retired from Harvard University in 2022, Yau now teaches at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he is dedicated to advancing China’s position as a global leader in mathematics.
Yau stressed the importance of creating an environment that nurtures scientific creativity, noting that Chinese researchers excel when supported by strong academic and research frameworks.
Discrimination Pushes Scientists to Return Home
Yau has linked the growing number of Chinese scientists returning to China to discrimination and restrictive policies in the United States. Many researchers, especially those of Chinese descent, have faced unfounded accusations of misusing U.S. research funds for China’s benefit. This hostile environment has driven them away from American institutions.
“This exodus is unfortunate for the U.S. because it erodes its research capabilities,” Yau observed. “For China, it presents a significant opportunity to gain top-tier talent, though it comes at the cost of a weakened relationship with the U.S. and diminished access to cutting-edge technologies.”
A survey of over 1,300 U.S.-based Chinese scientists conducted in late 2021 revealed troubling trends. About 72% of participants reported feeling unsafe in their roles, and 61% had considered relocating to non-U.S. countries. Despite these concerns, 89% expressed a strong desire to continue contributing to U.S. scientific leadership, though many refrained from applying for federal research grants due to fears of being targeted under the “China Initiative,” a policy introduced in 2018 to scrutinize scientists with alleged ties to China.
Geopolitical Tensions Undermine Academic Research
In a recent interview at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, where he received an honorary doctorate, Yau described how ongoing geopolitical tensions have negatively impacted the academic landscape.
He explained that Chinese scientists in the U.S. have struggled to secure research funding due to government suspicion that their work might benefit China. This climate of distrust has led some scientists to face accusations of espionage, further alienating them from their American colleagues and institutions.
“The U.S. government’s treatment of Chinese scientists has become increasingly discriminatory, making it difficult for many to contribute fully to scientific progress,” Yau said. “This has led to a significant loss of talent and undermined collaborative efforts.”
Encouraging Creativity in China’s Education System
Yau emphasized the need for China to shift away from an over-reliance on standardized exams in its education system, advocating instead for fostering creativity and innovation.
“The current emphasis on testing stifles creative thinking,” he argued. “To compete on the world stage, China must encourage its brightest students to innovate.”
He believes that, within a decade, if China invests in nurturing the creativity of its students, it could match the scientific achievements of other leading countries. “Today’s children are tomorrow’s scientists,” Yau noted, pointing out that China’s future scientific breakthroughs depend on cultivating a generation of creative thinkers.
Bridging the Technological Gap with Original Innovation
While China has made impressive advancements in technology, Yau believes the country’s reliance on foreign innovations and its history of imitating Western technology have hindered its potential.
“True originality will liberate China from its dependence on U.S. technologies,” he stated. “Once China begins developing its own groundbreaking innovations, it will not only strengthen its technological independence but also attract American scientists eager to collaborate and learn.”
Yau believes that once China reaches parity with the U.S. in scientific and technological expertise, it can foster a more balanced and reciprocal exchange of knowledge between the two nations.
A Vision for Equal Global Collaboration
Yau’s vision for China’s future in science is clear: by fostering innovation, encouraging creative research, and capitalizing on the expertise of returning scientists, China can elevate its standing in the global scientific community. In doing so, he believes China and the U.S. could become partners in knowledge exchange, rather than competitors.
“Once China is on equal footing with the U.S., it will be recognized as a partner for collaboration, not just a competitor,” Yau concluded. “Only through mutual respect and equal exchange can global scientific progress truly thrive.”
