As an interpretative lens for understanding Asia-Europe knowledge exchange in higher education, science and innovation, this paper contests the ‘knowledge diplomacy’ framework. First, knowledge diplomacy is a ‘floating signifier’ that homogenises the distinct differences between science diplomacy, education diplomacy and innovation diplomacy. Second, the term depoliticizes diplomacy in its attempt subtract politics from knowledge relations in world affairs. Third, the KD framework is overly normative as it portrays positive and benign outcomes of exchange to the neglect of the conflict, competition, and confrontations that exist within and between Higher Education Institutions and scientific communities.