International balance of power is determined by Chinese control over emerging technologies, research shows

Fierce competition between China and the United States of America for control of emerging technologies such as AI and 5G will determine the international balance of power, says a new study.

Developments in quantum computing, the Internet of Things and big data have transformed the global order and led to new alliances and dynamics, the analysis shows.

Building new allies has become imperative for the US as it cannot tackle China’s challenges on its own. This included sharing sensitive advanced technologies with national security and military applications and civilian and military technology research.

China’s growing use of emerging technologies in the civilian and military domains has escalated its position as a threat and near competitor to the US.

The study, by Maria Papageorgiou from the University of Exeter and Muhammed Can and Alena Vieira from the University of Minho, is published in the journal Chinese Political Science Review.

Researchers used data collected between 2017 and 2023 and analyzed strategic decisions such as bans and export controls targeting Chinese companies and the changing alignment position of Western states.

Dr. Papageorgiou said: “China’s growing power and expansion in emerging markets are critical to driving the momentum of global shifts in the technology and geopolitical landscape. are already in place.”

The research shows that Western states have sought to undermine China’s power through diplomatic efforts, bans and restrictions, and securing a monopoly on the all-important semiconductor manufacturing industry. They have also forged alliances designed to exclude or target China by leveraging its vast network of allies. Many were already allies, so these arrangements add a new layer to the already existing alliance.

There are new arrangements that exclude China, as well as diplomatic coordination aimed at undermining China, which does not always include the US. This also applies to agreements between Germany and Taiwan.

The research shows that the geographic expansion of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers could lead to a significant advantage over other competitors. These cross-border mergers and acquisitions have raised national security concerns for governments.

China has developed several systems that can penetrate U.S. defenses and its disinformation campaigns reinforce assessments of the country’s intentions as aggressive.

The US has accused Chinese companies of stealing or misusing intellectual property rights of American companies.

Export controls and bans have played an increasingly important role in the U.S. government’s efforts to deny China access to crucial technologies. It has also pressured its allies to introduce export controls and bans on sensitive technologies.

Initiatives such as the US-Japan-ROK collaboration in areas such as research and development and supply chain security demonstrate that the United States and its allies actively support each other on technology and improving supply chain security .