Very recommendable! Communist central planners are detrimental to freedom of research. Then there is the strong bias against fundamental/foundational long-term research versus quick short-term applied science results.
Most of the examples below have been well known for a long time. The former Soviet Union (run by a communist party) suffered from similar issues.
From the Dark Matter editorial of the SCMP dated 7/5/2025:
"In 2025, the South China Morning Post reported on a wave of overseas scientists returning to China to continue their research in Chinese universities. Among them were mathematicians, biotech experts and AI researchers. The growing number of academics choosing to relocate to China seems to signal China’s rise as a new hub for top global scientists.
Despite this trend, many Chinese graduates who choose to go abroad for university studies or to conduct research continue to settle in the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere, whether in industry or academia. Their decisions stem from a combination of practical and personal factors.
For many, economics is the primary driver.
“I stayed in the US because life here is less stressful,” says Daniel (pseudonym). In cities like Beijing or Shanghai, he said, housing prices far outpace salaries, making home ownership nearly impossible without family support. By contrast, equivalent jobs abroad offer higher pay and affordable housing, allowing young professionals to build wealth faster.
While high-paying opportunities are concentrated in China’s top-tier cities, the high cost of living in such cities has a detrimental impact on quality of life. In comparison, mid-sized cities outside of China provide competitive salaries with lower expenses, offering a better work-life balance.
Workplace differences also play a role. “In China, there’s an unspoken age bias – employees over 35 face higher lay-off risks and rehire hurdles,” Daniel said. Western workplaces tend to offer greater stability, flexible hours and stronger work-life boundaries, he continued. ...
China’s unique “publish-or-perish” tenure model.
This system, known as “up or out,” grants junior faculty 3 to 6 years to meet strict research, funding and teaching benchmarks. Those who succeed earn tenure; those who do not must leave. Though designed to incentivise excellence, critics argue it prioritises short-term gain over groundbreaking work.
Henry adds that funding and research diversity in his field remain limited in China, despite growing investment in in-demand disciplines.
China’s academic landscape leans more heavily toward practical applications – a defining characteristic that shapes career decisions for many researchers.
“My research niche simply does not exist in China,” says Sean (pseudonym), a university researcher. While China pours resources into select fields, foundational or niche areas receive less attention.
Ethical standards also differ [lack]. Sean said his team carefully considers the ethical implications of technological applications, using sociological frameworks to evaluate their long-term sustainability. In contrast, he observes that some researchers in China remain focused on a “technology-first” approach. ...
“Scholars in China spend energy networking with officials or joining political groups – it’s intimidating,” Sean explains. Overseas, networking matters, but rarely dictates career survival. ...
Lucas (pseudonym), who identifies as LGBTQ, values the West’s inclusivity. “Here, I can choose my own lifestyle without having to worry about pressure from family or society, he said. “I can marry my partner and live openly. That acceptance outweighs a higher salary back home.”
The continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also changed the mindsets of many overseas Chinese. In the past, frequent visits to China were the norm, but now many people are beginning to accept the possibility of staying abroad for a long time. However, this does not mean that they have no concerns.
Almost all interviewees mentioned the issue of elderly care. As only children, they are unable to provide timely care for their parents when they are old. The older generation is often reluctant to leave a familiar social environment and emigrate abroad in their later years. This tension between family and career is a dilemma facing many overseas talents.
Return or stay? There’s no universal answer. China’s boom offers unmatched opportunities, but quality of life, academic freedom and social openness are still keeping many abroad.
The future of talent flows isn’t one-directional – it’s about finding the right fit."
P.S. the text above was excerpted from an SCMP's email to me themed "Dark matters" dated 7/5/2025. Unfortunately, SCMP does not provide a web version of this email.
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