Returnee talent should be welcomed, not scorned

In recent years, a growing number of Chinese scientists and engineers who once studied or lived abroad have chosen to return to China, spurred by shifting geopolitical realities and tightening academic environments in the West, and the increasingly attractive research ecosystem at home.

While many welcome these returning minds, others indulge in cynical speculation, suggesting, for instance, that some returnees are "spies" or that they are merely "coming back to retire and enjoy the fruits of other people's labor". These narratives share a common tendency to distort reality and undervalue the contributions of overseas-educated talent.

This view overlooks the essence of why talent flows: people go where opportunities and potential are greatest. Today's China is fertile ground for innovation, equipped with advanced research facilities, robust support policies and a merit-based system that values genuine contribution over mere credentials. The bar is high, and those who return must meet stringent standards of originality and excellence.