Will Australia be locked out of top scientific research by shunning Chinese universities?

Australia’s decision to axe partnerships with two Chinese universities has raised concerns that Canberra is moving to align with Washington on research security policy.One analyst warned that Canberra’s latest move would not hinder Chinese progress, but it could leave Australia locked out of top-tier scientific research.The Australian National University confirmed in a statement that it would comply with Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s order earlier this month to end its teaching partnership with Shandong University on national security grounds.ANU said the university took “risks associated with foreign interference, national security and international engagement seriously”.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has cancelled partnerships with two Chinese universities. Photo: Michael Errey/AAP/dpaEarlier, The Australian reported that Wong had also cancelled a research collaboration between the University of Queensland and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to develop pain relief from a native plant, also citing security concerns.