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Why China Has Already Caught Up With the United States? Rethinking Power and Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Pablo Sims
  • Yun‐Tso Lee
  • Brice Tseen Fu Lee

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of US–China power competition, with a specific focus on the role of technology in reshaping the measures of national power. Traditionally, power has been evaluated based on military size and wealth, but the emergence of cutting‐edge technologies like artificial intelligence and 5G demands a re‐evaluation of these metrics. The study argues for the inclusion of technology as a critical factor in measuring national power, highlighting its increasing relevance in the digital age. Utilizing the net‐power measurement approach, the research provides a nuanced analysis of the US–China contest beyond mere economic and military capabilities, emphasizing the significance of digital dominance. The work addresses the limitations of traditional methodologies and introduces a more holistic approach that encompasses technological innovation. It argues that China's rise in power, especially in the realm of technology, has narrowed the power gap with the United States, challenging the existing global power structure. 本研究考察了中美实力竞争的动态, 特别关注科技在重塑国家实力衡量标准中的作用。传统上, 实力的衡量标准基于军事规模和财富, 但人工智能和5G等尖端技术的兴起要求重新评估这些指标。本研究主张将科技作为衡量国家实力的关键因素, 并强调其在数字时代日益重要的意义。本研究运用净实力测量方法, 对中美竞争进行了细致入微的分析, 超越了单纯的经济和军事实力, 强调了数字主导地位的重要性。本研究突破了传统方法的局限性, 并引入了一种涵盖技术创新的更全面的研究方法。本文认为, 中国实力的崛起, 尤其是在科技领域的崛起, 缩小了与美国的实力差距, 对现有的全球权力格局构成了挑战。 Este estudio examina la dinámica de la competencia de poder entre EE. UU. y China, con especial atención al papel de la tecnología en la reformulación de las medidas de poder nacional. Tradicionalmente, el poder se ha evaluado en función del tamaño y la riqueza militar, pero la aparición de tecnologías de vanguardia como la inteligencia artificial y el 5 G exige una reevaluación de estas métricas. El estudio aboga por la inclusión de la tecnología como un factor crítico en la medición del poder nacional, destacando su creciente relevancia en la era digital. Utilizando el enfoque de medición del poder neto, la investigación ofrece un análisis matizado de la competencia entre EE. UU. y China, más allá de las meras capacidades económicas y militares, enfatizando la importancia del dominio digital. El trabajo aborda las limitaciones de las metodologías tradicionales e introduce un enfoque más holístico que abarca la innovación tecnológica. Se argumenta que el ascenso de China al poder, especialmente en el ámbito tecnológico, ha reducido la brecha de poder con Estados Unidos, desafiando la estructura de poder global existente.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Pablo Sims & Yun‐Tso Lee & Brice Tseen Fu Lee, 2025. "Why China Has Already Caught Up With the United States? Rethinking Power and Technology," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 188(3), July.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:188:y:2025:i:3:n:e70022
    DOI: 10.1002/waf2.70022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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