Core Viewpoint - The funding crisis faced by Terence Tao, a renowned mathematician, highlights the increasing politicization of research funding in the United States, which is affecting the stability of the scientific research environment [2][5][6]. Group 1: Funding Crisis - Terence Tao and his research team at UCLA are unable to receive research funding, leading to a situation where they have not even received summer salaries [2][5]. - The funding freeze originated from a political issue, where the U.S. government froze nearly $600 million in federal research funds to UCLA, citing mismanagement of anti-Semitism [6][8]. - The Trump administration plans to cut the National Science Foundation (NSF) budget by half in the 2026 fiscal year, which would severely impact many scientists' funding [6][11]. Group 2: Impact on Researchers - The instability in funding has forced top scientists like Tao to seek sponsorships, shifting their focus from research to fundraising [5][9]. - Other institutions, such as Harvard, have paused doctoral admissions due to reduced NIH funding, and many laboratories are struggling to afford basic supplies [11][12]. - The current political climate has led to a significant increase in the number of researchers leaving the U.S. for more stable environments, with many considering relocating to countries like China [11][12]. Group 3: Opportunities for China - China is emerging as an attractive destination for scientists due to its stable research funding and investment in top-tier research facilities [14][15]. - To retain top talent like Terence Tao, China needs to ensure adequate funding, provide advanced research platforms, minimize administrative interference, and support scientists' personal lives [14][15][16][17]. - The situation presents an opportunity for China to enhance its scientific capabilities by attracting and retaining elite researchers, thereby improving its global standing in scientific research [17].