CSET’s Anna Puglisi provided her expert insights in an article by the Associated Press that discusses the increasing concern among U.S. lawmakers regarding the nation’s competitive stance against China in the biotechnology sector, emphasizing the potential risks to U.S. national security and commercial interests.

Puglisi expressed concern over Beijing’s lack of transparency and unfair market practices in the biotechnology sector. She drew a clear line between legitimate competition and practices that undermine fair play, asserting, “Competition is one thing. Unfair competition is another thing.” Furthermore, Puglisi shed light on BGI, a prominent Chinese biotech entity spotlighted in legislative discussions, characterized as “a national champion.” This company benefits from state subsidies and preferential treatment in an ambiguous environment that “blurs private and public as well as civilian and military.” She highlighted a critical concern: “This system creates market distortions and undermines the global norms of science by using researchers and academic and commercial entities to further the goals of the state.”

Read the full article in the Associated Press.