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Given the disruptions COVID-19 caused to normal research processes, including inter- national collaboration, this study sought to understand scientists’ experiences collabo- rating internationally during the pandemic on COVID-19-related research. Specifically, it explored US scientists’ tie formation and reasons for international research collabora- tion with Chinese scientists. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design collecting interview and survey data from US scientists who co-published articles related to COVID-19 with Chinese scientists. The findings revealed the role of network mechanisms, such as transitivity, opportunity of contact, and homophily, in promoting rela- tionship formation and maintenance. Moreover, they showed the greater role that bonding social capital played in helping scientists access valuable knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their research potential. Lastly, they demonstrated how particularized trust based on prior interactions and experiences encouraged relationship formation and col- laboration between US and Chinese scientists. Together, these results provide new insights in informing future policies and guidelines related to supporting international collaboration and, ultimately, shared pandemic challenges. 

Social networks based on Chi- nese culture, or guanxi, played an important role in scientists’ capacity to produce knowledge, their collaboration experiences, and in navigating the securitized research environment targeting collaboration between the Unit- ed States and China.