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Principles and general information on co-operation with China

Are you interested in cooperating with partners in the People's Republic of China, would you like to find out about opportunities for cooperation, funding, preparation for a stay or find out more about China as a potential research partner? Here you will find basic and general information on various aspects of co-operation with Chinese partners.

If you have any questions, please contact the China-Competence Service-point directly: (phone: +49 6421 28-26154). We will be happy to advise you and send you any documents relevant to your project.

  • China (competence) as a strategic focus

    Cooperation with China is a strategic focus of the University of Marburg, motivated by the fact that China is not only an important partner for solving global challenges, but also the most important scientific nation in the world alongside the USA. At the same time, cooperation with China poses numerous challenges (e.g. in the area of dual use in light of the civil-military fusion of the People's Republic of China,).

    Management of cooperation follows the principle of de-risking: maximising the benefits of cooperation while minimising the risk. Specifically, the University of Marburg does not draw any general red lines when cooperating with Chinese partners, and endeavours to maintain and expand cooperation, but reviews each cooperation in terms of risks and benefits. Researchers are closely supported in the process of analysing and weighing up risks and have a central point of contact in the form of the China-Competence Service-point, which provides information and advice on all aspects of cooperation with China.

  • Cooperation guidelines

    Object of research:

    ► Are there any dependencies on the partner country in the research field and if so, which ones? Are there alternative cooperation partners?

    ► Is there a possibility that the results obtained or the knowledge generated could be misused by third parties?

    ► Are there any objectives beyond the project that are being pursued by the partner(s)? For what purposes will the results possibly be used?

    Research conditions:

    ► Does the partner institute conduct research for military or comparable purposes?

    ► Is systematic tapping of research data or experience from the research work conceivable or to be expected in view of the political constitution of the partner country?

    ► Are there circumstances that prevent the conclusion of a written agreement on the rights and obligations of the project participants and on the implementation of the joint project?

    ► Are there reasons to assume that a written agreement would have no legal effect?

    ► Is it possible that there are restrictions with regard to academic freedom, for example with regard to the publication of project results?

  • General Information about China 

    There are many ways to stay informed about current developments in the PR China. A first port of call for objective reporting is the Mercator Institute for China Studies (merics). Here you will find current analyses and studies on socio-political and higher education policy issues and announcements relating to the merics network of experts.

    The Leiden Asia Centre is recognised beyond the borders of the Netherlands as an expert centre for China issues. Here you will find extensive literature as well as podcasts and videos on currently relevant China topics.

     China.Table, a specialised newsletter, available for a small, monthly fee, from Table.Media, which primarily provides information on the areas of politics, business and science in connection with China.

    Chinapolitan Newsletter, is a free newsletter that provides weekly information on important news from and about China, China jobs of German companies and events.

    Chinahirn is a free newsletter by the German journalist Wolfgang Hirn, which is divided into four sections and provides information about the events of the past week.

    Podcasts:

    On the website of the Bavarian University Center for China (BayCHINA) you will find an extensive list of exciting and informative podcasts on the topic of China.

    Another Podcast recommendation is the BBC production “China and the World”, which has currently three episodes.