Chinese Defence Universities Tracker
The China Defence Universities Tracker, accessible at https://unitracker.aspi.org.au/, is a significant project developed by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Launched in June 2019, this initiative aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible resource for understanding the landscape of Chinese institutions involved in military or security-related research and training.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary goal of the UniTracker is to assist universities, governments, research institutions, and other interested parties in conducting due diligence and making informed risk assessments when considering collaborations or engagements with entities from China. It seeks to fill an information gap by systematically identifying and categorizing institutions linked to China's defence and security apparatus, particularly in the context of its military-civil fusion strategy. The project also aims to inform public debate on these critical issues.
Core Functionality and Features
The UniTracker website offers several key features:
- Comprehensive Database: It hosts a detailed database of Chinese universities and research institutes, meticulously cataloged based on their involvement in defence-related activities.
- Risk Categorization: Institutions are assessed and assigned risk levels (e.g., Very High Risk, High Risk, Medium Risk, Low Risk) based on transparent methodology, which relies on open-source Chinese-language documents.
- Interactive Map: A visual, interactive map allows users to explore the geographical distribution of these institutions across China.
- Search and Filtering: Users can search for specific institutions or filter the database by risk level, province, or other criteria.
- Detailed Institutional Profiles: Each listed institution has a profile providing its name, assessed risk level, a justification for the assessment, and often includes information on known affiliations or research areas.
Distinctive Aspects
A key distinctive aspect of the UniTracker is its specific and in-depth focus on China's defence-related academic and research institutions, coupled with a structured risk assessment framework. It is presented as a "living project," indicating ongoing research and updates to maintain relevance and accuracy. The fact that this tool is provided as a public good by a respected think tank like ASPI further enhances its credibility and utility.
Attracting Users: Key Advantages
The UniTracker attracts users due to several inherent strengths:
- Authoritative Source: Developed and maintained by ASPI, a well-regarded independent, non-partisan think tank.
- Evidence-Based: Assessments are based on open-source intelligence and clearly outlined methodologies.
- Accessibility and Clarity: The platform presents complex information in a user-friendly and understandable manner.
- Addressing a Critical Need: It directly addresses the growing need for robust due diligence tools for entities engaging with Chinese research institutions.
Institutional Connections
The China Defence Universities Tracker is a flagship project of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The website indicates that the project "draws on the work of ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre," highlighting an internal departmental collaboration within ASPI.
ASPI's Social Media Presence
While the UniTracker project itself does not have dedicated social media channels, information and updates related to ASPI's work, which includes the UniTracker, can be found on ASPI's official social media platforms:
- X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/ASPI_org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASPI.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/australian-strategic-policy-institute/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ASPICanberra
Summary Statement
In essence, ASPI's China Defence Universities Tracker serves as a vital, publicly available database and analytical tool. It empowers users worldwide to better understand and navigate the complexities of China's defence-linked research ecosystem, facilitating more informed decision-making for academic institutions, government bodies, and corporations.