China Accuses U.S. of Initiating ‘Tech War’

China has intensified its criticism of the United States, accusing it of initiating a “tech war” through trade protectionism and technological blockades. A recent editorial in China’s Global Times argues that the U.S. underestimates China’s technological capabilities and engages in unhealthy competition.

Key Points from the Editorial:

• Technological Advancements: The editorial highlights China’s progress in chip technology, 5G networks, and electric vehicle battery development, suggesting that the U.S. fails to recognize these achievements.
• Trade Protectionism: It criticizes the U.S. for imposing high tariffs on Chinese goods and banning Chinese technologies, actions perceived as efforts to hinder China’s technological growth.
• Economic Consequences: The piece references the economic impact of former President Trump’s protectionist policies, which included imposing high tariffs on Chinese goods and banning Chinese technologies.

This editorial follows comments from Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, who cautioned against assuming that China lags in technological development. Smith emphasized the need for the U.S. to acknowledge China’s advancements to avoid strategic miscalculations.

Recent Developments:

• Military Technology: China has unveiled the “White Emperor,” a sixth-generation supersonic fighter jet capable of operating at near-space altitudes and deploying weapons from space. This development is seen as a strategic response to the U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance program.
  The Sun
• Diplomatic Engagements: At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address issues related to China’s trade practices and their impact on national security. Despite a public gaffe where Biden mistakenly referred to the U.S.-China relationship as an “alliance,” the private discussions focused on contentious topics including the economy, cybersecurity, Taiwan, Ukraine, artificial intelligence risks, nuclear controls, and reducing China’s fentanyl production.
  New York Post

These developments underscore the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the technological and military domains. The accusations of a “tech war” reflect deeper strategic rivalries as both nations vie for technological supremacy.