Chinese scientists have no choice but to leave US, top mathematician says

China should focus on developing original technologies and scientific knowledge and leverage the expertise of scientists returning from the United States, according to a top Chinese-American mathematician.

Yau Shing-Tung retired from Harvard University in 2022 to teach at Tsinghua University and help China become a maths powerhouse.

He said many ethnic Chinese students had been driven away from the US by discrimination from the government, including accusations of misusing American research funds for China’s benefit.

“Chinese scientists have no choice but to leave the US because they work best under a supportive research environment,” he said.

“This exodus is unfortunate for the US as it could diminish its research capabilities. For China, the return of these scientists means it is gaining top talent, but it also results in weakened ties with the US and a loss of first-hand knowledge of advanced technologies.”

An increasing number of leading scientists are leaving the West for Chinese institutions. Yau’s maths centre at Tsinghua in Beijing is one example where top foreign mathematicians have been recruited.