AI Research with China: to Collaborate or not to Collaborate – is that the Question?

Many forms of collaborations with Chinese companies have seen increased scrutiny in the last few years. Politicians and public figures challenge collaborations, citing China’s human-rights abuses and the Chinese state’s far-reaching control of “public” companies. At the same time, China has established itself as a world-leader in AI research, technology and innovation. Where does this leave us in deciding whether or not to collaborate with Chinese colleagues?