Arup Neogi, an India-born US citizen and photonics specialist, is leading research at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Chengdu, despite the university being subject to US sanctions. Neogi emphasized the borderless nature of science in comments to Chinese state media. His team at UESTC, a leading Chinese institution for electronics and communication, is focused on the relationship between light and sound. The research highlights continued scientific collaboration between the United States and China, even amid geopolitical tensions. The collaboration is occurring at a university recognized as a key player in China’s technological advancement. It demonstrates a complex dynamic where scientific pursuits transcend political restrictions. Neogi’s work exemplifies how researchers navigate international relations within their fields.