Author

Annebelle de Bruijn

Investigative journalist. Works for Delta, the journalistic platform of the Delft University of Technology, and for Follow the Money. Loves to write (and read) about China.
articles
5
2022

Drones and concrete to withstand bullets: collaboration with ‘ordinary’ Chinese universities also poses risks

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Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

Collaboration between Dutch universities and the Chinese armed forces is not limited to military universities. Over the past seven years, several hundred studies were conducted in collaboration with civilian Chinese universities as well, that in turn work for the military.

China sends selected military researchers to the Netherlands to gather sensitive knowledge

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Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

In recent years, over 90 military scientists from China have gathered knowledge at Dutch universities and knowledge institutions. They conducted research into militarily sensitive technologies, such as hypersonic aircraft and reinforced concrete. This is the conclusion of research done by Follow the Money and RTL Nieuws, as part of the China Science Investigation. The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service calls the situation 'worrying'.

The China Files

European universities are helping China to build the world’s most modern army

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Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij, Heleen Emanuel, Mira Sys & Siem Eikelenboom

China wants to build the most powerful army in the world. They appear to be succeeding – thanks to European scientists, who are sharing militarily sensitive knowledge with the Chinese army on a large scale. This is the conclusion of research done by Follow the Money and ten other media outlets from seven different countries. Nearly three hundred of such sensitive studies were conducted in the Netherlands. ‘Vital knowledge has already leaked. We're fighting a rearguard action.’

The China Files
2021

Dutch research institutes helped the Chinese police state

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Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij & Siem Eikelenboom

Annebelle de Bruijn, Dorine Booij & Siem Eikelenboom

According to research conducted by Follow the Money and RTL Nieuws, three leading Dutch laboratories, including the Erasmus Medical Centre, have collaborated with Chinese scientists in recent years to develop sensitive DNA techniques. Experts believe that this knowledge can be used to control minorities and political opponents. Today, Dutch parliamentarians reacted with shock: ‘If the universities themselves do not see the problem, the Minister should perhaps take action.’

The China Files

Controversial studies of Erasmus MC researcher into Uyghur DNA retracted

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Annebelle de Bruijn & Siem Eikelenboom

Annebelle de Bruijn & Siem Eikelenboom

An investigation by Follow the Money has revealed that two scientific journals have retracted publications by a Chinese researcher at the Erasmus Medical Centre. He could not sufficiently demonstrate that Uyghurs, a persecuted minority in China, had consented to their DNA being collected. ‘Retraction of a scientific article on ethical grounds is extremely rare.’

The China Files