10 years ago I was in academia. We were actively encouraged, even required, to find outside funding. Government would look at a bid for 1m and say "find 500k from someone else and we will match it". It was good practice.

Who were the people providing all that finding? The Chinese mostly.

Now we're in the middle of "sino-panic" and suddenly every cent (Renminbi?) is suspect.

I am happy to admit this guy was dishonest and deserves what he gets. But I worry this is the "thin end of the wedge". National security laws are draconian by design and aiming them at researchers continuing policies that were previously supported is both unfair and counterproductive.

To me, the whole China "thing" seems like a political witch hunt to avoid talking about real issues (impeachment, the 2020 elections, automation, the fact we have no idea what to do with all the people we can't find jobs for).

The weird claims about Huawei infrastructure falls into the same boat: picking a (cold) war to distract from other issues.

Beware where this goes.