Cooperative

The Defense Department should cooperate more closely with China in the area of science and technology, according to a March 2009 National Defense University paper presented at a conference of DOD international acquisition experts late last month.

"It is in the long-term interest of DOD to proactively seek out opportunities to engage in fundamental scientific collaborations with the top academic institutions in China," wrote William Berry, a researcher at NDU's Center for Technology and National Security Policy. "Through such collaborations we will learn new scientific techniques and strategies, avoid technological surprise, and develop beneficial working relationships that will enhance our economic and national security," the paper states.

According to Berry, China is expected to achieve world-class status in many areas of the life and physical sciences within 15 years, likely surpassing the United States.

Potential areas for cooperation include nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and fuel technologies, Berry wrote.