> I wouldn't want to be his sponsor either. It just shows either a complete misunderstanding of the power dynamics of an outsider doing research in China, or poor judgement.

If your priorities are power dynamics, that would make sense. But there are other priorities, such as freedom of speech and open inquiry, which are more important, on which research and knowledge and freedom itself are based.

Ideally yes, but there are practical reality to working with the Chinese government, taking Chinese government grants, and going to Chinese schools.

If you choose to persue these opportunities, you must understand there are tradeoffs and conditions.

> you must understand there are tradeoffs and conditions

Understanding the situation is one thing; acquiescing to it, participating, and not trying to change it are another.

Speaking as someone who has been through the academic dance party, I wouldn't want to attend an academic institution in Switzerland. I've heard of many breakups between students and their advisors, although this seems particularly ill advised, but I've never heard of the institution kicking the student out immediately. Or of the other faculty not finding a place for him.

Their dedication to academic integrity is suspect.

They didn't have to kick him out. He was withdrawn from school, had a falling out with the PhD advisor he needed to get back in, then sued the school. After he sued the school and lost, professors really didn't want to be his advisor.