US Blacklists Research and Academic Cooperation with China, Russia and Iran
US Blacklists Research and Academic Cooperation with China, Russia and Iran
The BRICS+ Universities Association expresses deep concern over the U.S. Department of War's "Section 1286 List" (upd. July 23, 2026), designating 130 universities from China (88 institutions), Russia (33 institutions) and Iran (9 institutions) as entities allegedly threatening U.S. security — effectively blacklisting research cooperation with these nations.
The list includes top civilian universities: China: Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Russia: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Higher School of Economics (HSE) Iran: Imam Baqir University, Baghyatollah Medical Sciences University
The restrictions ban U.S. funding for joint research, equipment use or collaboration with listed institutions. U.S. researchers are urged to exercise "extreme caution." This blocks institutional cooperation in science, technology and academic exchanges.
China's Response Liu Chang, Chinese Embassy spokesperson, accused the U.S. of "overstretching national security" and politicising academic exchanges. He stated: "Scientific innovation requires openness... restricting research exchanges will ultimately harm the interests of US researchers and institutions as well." He urged abandoning "Cold War mentality" for fair bilateral exchanges. (source)
The BRICS+ Universities Association asks:
Why target these three BRICS+ nations? Who is next?
What threats arise when fundamental research cooperation is geopolitically restricted — fragmenting global science and slowing shared progress?
Is this about security, limiting knowledge flows, or undermining competitiveness of world-class universities from China, Russia and Iran?
The BRICS+ Universities Association reaffirms its commitment to open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial academic cooperation. We believe that science and education should transcend political boundaries and serve humanity as a whole. We call on all nations to uphold academic freedom and fair collaboration, ensuring that higher education remains a bridge — not a battlefield.