A potential boycott by Chinese mathematicians of a major international mathematics conference, dubbed the 'World Cup of mathematics,' could significantly impact the event. Co-organizers of a petition to move the conference from the United States suggest China's participation is crucial, given its scientific prowess and its status as a target of US restrictions. The boycott aims to protest the event being held in the US.

A Chinese boycott of the “World Cup of mathematics” this year could be decisive, according to a co-organiser of a petition calling for the event to be moved out of the United States this year. Ila Varma, a University of Toronto mathematician and boycott co-organiser, said the country was “uniquely situated” to act – both as a target of US restrictions and as a major scientific powerhouse. “The Chinese government does not apply sanctions to US universities the way the US government does to...