Canada on Tuesday restricted researchers linked to universities based in China, Russia and Iran from working on subjects critical to Canadian national security.

Ottawa introduced the measures to withhold government grants from researchers having ties to universities associated with the defense and security entities of countries posing potential security threats. While the majority of the listed universities are based in China, a handful from Iran and Russia are also included.

"While Canadian-led research is defined by its excellence and collaborative nature, its openness can make it a target for foreign influence," the ministers of innovation, health, and public safety said in a joint statement.

An official clarified that the current policy directly impacts federal funding but said they hope that it would serve as guidance for provincial governments and institutions across Canada.

In 2022, Canada made headlines by arresting and charging a researcher with espionage, alleging an attempt to steal trade secrets for the benefit of China.

As a member of the "Five Eyes" alliance, alongside Britain, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, Canada has actively participated in the intelligence community's accusations against China for intellectual property theft. Last year, the alliance's intelligence chiefs accused China of utilizing artificial intelligence for hacking and spying against member nations.

The longstanding issue of intellectual property theft continues to be a significant point of contention in US-China relations.