Peking University

Peking University (PKU) is assessed as high risk for its high number of defence laboratories and defence research areas, strong relationship with the defence industry, supervision by SASTIND, secret-level security clearance, and links to China’s nuclear weapons program.

PKU is considered among China’s most prestigious universities, with a storied history. It is ranked as one of China’s top two academic institutions, along with Tsinghua University, and it has been included in numerous PRC educational initiatives, including as a Class A institution under the Double First-Class University program. ^[1] PKU notably hosts advanced research and partnerships related to nuclear technology.

PKU is subject to at least two joint-supervision agreements between the Ministry of Education and defence industry agency SASTIND. Those agreements, signed in 2012 and 2016 ^[2] , are designed to deepen the university’s involvement in defence research. ^[3]

In recent years, PKU has increasingly engaged in critical and dual-use technology research, including establishing dozens of new research institutes and collaborating with key state-owned enterprises central to China’s defence and military complex. In 2024, PKU established the Joint Laboratory for Reliable Industrial Software and Intelligent Control in Nuclear Power and Electric Investment with State Power Investment Nuclear Energy Co. Ltd, which is a branch of State Power Investment Corporation—home to one of China’s biggest state-owned power generators and nuclear power-plant operators with rights to develop nuclear technology.

PKU’s Advanced Technology Institute was founded in 2006 to oversee and develop the university’s defence research. ^[4] It includes several research centres and supervises the university’s four major defence laboratories. ^[5] The institute’s research covers semiconductors, nuclear technology, quantum physics, advanced materials, underwater acoustics, satellite navigation and communications, flight propulsion, aerospace engineering and microprocessors.

In 2017, PKU and the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP)—which runs China’s nuclear weapons program—established the PKU–CAEP New Structure Centre for Applied Physics and Technology (北京大学-中国工程物理研究院新体制应用物理与技术研究中心). ^[6] The joint centre carries out research on materials, lasers for atomic physics applications, laser plasma physics, computer science and fluid dynamics, with the stated purpose to promote military–civil fusion and serve China’s national defence needs. ^[7] The joint centre’s honorary director and founding director, He Xiantu 贺贤土, is credited as the developer of China’s first neutron bomb. ^[8]

PKU takes precautions for the protection of classified information. In 2006, the university received security credentials for participation in classified defence research. ^[9] It also has an office devoted to the secure handling of classified information, hosting regular meetings and training sessions to strengthen the university’s security culture. ^[10]

More than 4% of PKU’s undergraduate students who graduated and found employment in 2023 (the most recent year for which data is available) found jobs in China’s defence and military sector. ^[11]

• National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication (微米/纳米加工技术国家级重点实验室 or 微米纳米加工技术国防科技重点实验室) ^[12] (Jointly run with Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
• Fundamental Science on Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Laboratory (放射化学与辐射化学国防重点学科实验室 or 放射化学与辐射化学重点学科实验室) ^[14] This may be the same as the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Nuclear Chemical Engineering National Defence Key Laboratory (核燃料循环及核化工国防重点实验室)
• Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Physics Simulation, Ministry of Education (高能量密度物理数值模拟教育部重点实验室) ^[16]
• Key Laboratory of Microelectronic Devices and Circuits, Ministry of Education (微电子器件与电路教育部重点实验室(B类)) ^[17]

The following laboratories are involved in dual-use research but might not be dedicated defence laboratories:

• Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (机器感知与智能教育部重点实验室) ^[18]
• Ministry of Education Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes (地表过程分析与模拟教育部重点实验室) ^[19]

PKU has notable engagements with various Russian institutions, particularly with Moscow State University (MSU), which is Russia’s largest and oldest research university. In 2024, PKU and MSU established a joint doctoral program, a joint Sino-Russian Mathematical Centre and a Sino-Russian Institute of Basic Sciences. ^[20] In 2025, PKU led a delegation to Russia to attend the 270th anniversary of MSU’s founding. ^[21]

In 2023, PKU hosted a delegation from the Russian Quantum Centre, a non-governmental research organisation sanctioned by the US15 that focuses on quantum technology, seeking to jointly promote the development of quantum science. ^[22]

PKU ranks in the top 10 institutions in the world for high-impact research in five critical technologies, including advanced integrated circuit design and fabrication and genomic sequencing and analysis, according to data from ASPI’s Critical Technology Tracker. ^[23]

PKU’s global and national rankings for these technologies are as follows. 

SASTIND has designated the following areas at PKU as ‘specialisations with national defence characteristics in short supply’:

• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear technology
• Nuclear chemical engineering and nuclear fuel engineering. ^[24]

In 2011, the Institute of Atomic Energy of China National Nuclear Corporation and PKU jointly built an advanced radioactive nuclear beam—a key technology in the field of nuclear science and nuclear energy. ^[25]

In 2013, the PLA Navy and PKU signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement at a ceremony attended by then-PLA Navy commander and member of the Central Military Commission, Wu Shengli 吴胜利. ^[26]

PKU researchers often participate in expos and events related to military–civil fusion, such as a high-tech equipment exhibition in autumn 2018. ^[27]

In 2019, PKU and China Aero Engine Corporation, which is a key state-owned enterprise in China’s military complex, signed a strategic cooperation agreement to promote school–enterprise collaboration. ^[28]

Also in 2019, PKU jointly established the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) Scholarship together with CASC, a state-owned enterprise specialising in aircraft and satellite equipment for the defence industry. CASC’s products include missile weapon systems, aerospace technology applications and aerospace systems. ^[29]

In 2020, China Ordnance Equipment Group, which is a key state-owned weapons corporation, held an online presentation for PKU students discussing the importance of modernising national defence and opportunities for graduates to work in the defence industry. ^[30]

PKU and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) have cooperated since 2019, with many CETC institutes collaborating with PKU in various projects. ^[31] Research results gathered by PKU have formed the basis for key CETC products such as the China Electronics Cloud Data Internet Service Platform. In 2020, PKU and CETC also jointly built the Beijing Advanced Technology Research Institute of Big Data, focusing on the application of data and internet infrastructure. ^[32]

In 2020, 33 representatives from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), which is a key state-owned enterprise at the centre of China’s nuclear industry, attended PKU’s recruitment fair to encourage graduates to join the company. According to the university, nearly 30 PKU students had found work at CNNC in the previous three years. ^[33]

In 2021, PKU jointly established a doctoral program with the PLA’s Academy of Military Sciences researching information science and mechanics, oriented to the needs of the academy. ^[34]

PKU partners with hundreds of institutions around the world.

In 2020, PKU and University of Leuven in Belgium established a joint doctoral training program focused on program computing, molecular electronics and photonic integrated circuits. ^[35]

In October 2024, PKU and Hanoi University of Science and Technology signed an MoU for academic and research partnership, including future collaboration plans that focus on semiconductors, advanced materials and nanotechnology. ^[36]

In 2024, PKU’s School of Engineering and Saudi Aramco Asia R+D Center, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco—the Saudi Arabian state-owned energy giant and largest oil producer in the world—signed an MoU to collaborate in areas of education, technology exchange, advanced manufacturing and robotics. ^[37]

In March 2025, PKU and the National University of Singapore (NUS) signed an MoU to establish the PKU–NUS Applied Sciences Centre, focusing on AI, new materials and advanced manufacturing; life sciences and health; and sustainable development. ^[38]

In May 2025, PKU and Assumption University of Thailand held a strategic dialogue in Beijing for academic and technological collaboration, which included proposing a joint fund to support Sino-Thai research in AI, creative industries and related fields. ^[39]

PKU has co-administered the Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering along with Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US. ^[40]

PKU renewed its academic partnership with Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in 2019. This collaboration includes the Smart Sensing Lab as a collaboration between PSU’s College of Information Sciences and Technology and PKU’s School of Software and Microelectronics. ^[41]

Peking University has partnered with Microsoft Research Asia to create a Chinese Ministry of Education Key Lab, called the Microsoft Statistics and Information Technology Laboratory of PKU, founded in 2005. ^[42]

PKU has in-depth collaboration with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.45. ^[43] They established several joint laboratories including one dedicated to semiconductor technology in 2022, which is now undergoing its second phase beginning in 2024. ^[44]

In recent years, PKU has established dozens of other joint research centres involved in a range of areas, including dual-use and critical technologies. The research centres include: ^[45]

• Peking University–Guangdong Laser Plasma Research Institute Joint Laboratory (2021) with Guandong Xinxing Laser Plasma Technology Research Institute
• Joint Laboratory for Micro-Nano Electronic Device Simulation (2021) with Hongzhi Micro Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd
• Joint Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics and Unmanned Driving (2021) with Wuhu Simba Network Technology Co. Ltd
• Peking University–Beijing Brain–Computer Interface Joint Laboratory (2021) with Beijing Brain Science Co. Ltd
• Peking University–Zhongchuang Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Joint Laboratory (2022) with Baoding Zhongchuang Yanyuan Semiconductor Technology Co. Ltd
• Joint Laboratory of Blockchain and Privacy-Preserving Computing (2022) with Beijing Eight Component Information Technology Co. Ltd 
• Peking University – China Telecom Joint Laboratory of Big Data (2022) with China Telecom Group Co. Ltd 
• Peking University – Primarius EDA Innovation Joint Laboratory (2022) with Shanghai Primarius Electronics Co. Ltd 
• Peking University – CGN Research Institute Joint Laboratory of Materials for Extreme Environments (2022), which is a collaboration with the China General Nuclear Power Research Institute, a state-owned R+D centre for nuclear power technology added to the US Entity List in 201948 
• Peking University – Dongke Third-Generation Semiconductor Joint R&D Centre (2023) with Dongke Semiconductor (Anhui) Co. Ltd 
• Peking University – Power Investment Nuclear Energy Trusted Industrial Software and Intelligent Control Joint Laboratory (2024) with State Power Investment Nuclear Energy Co. Ltd 
• Peking University – Point Source Joint Laboratory of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials (2024) with Dianyuan Future (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd.

Other collaboration agreements include the following: 

• In 2022, PKU signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation to collaborate on basic research projects in the fields of petroleum science and technology. ^[46]
• In the same year, PKU and the Beijing Institute of Technology signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly build the Peking University – Beijing Institute of Technology Joint Innovation Research Institute. ^[47]
• In 2023, PKU established an Advanced Communication Joint Lab co-built with Zhejiang Spacetime Daoyu Technology, which is a Chinese aerospace company, researching satellite and 6G communication technology. ^[48]
• In 2024, PKU launched its Weiming-1/Tajing-2-04 satellite, jointly developed with Shandong University and Micro-Nano Star Company. ^[49]
• In 2025, PKU developed a brain–computer interface technology prototype that is exploring production and clinical trial opportunities. ^[50]

PKU’s centre for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology also engages in research with dual-use applications, such as additive manufacturing, micro-nano manufacturing and energy materials. ^[51]

PKU and the Beijing Institute of Technology are among the founders of the Beijing University Technology Transfer Alliance, which is intended to promote commercialising patents and researchers, including in dual-use and military-relevant sectors such as 3D printing and robotics. ^[52]