China Tech: Global Tech Dominance

• Chinese apps are rising in popularity globally, including TikTok, CapCut, Shien, and Temu.
• China is becoming dominant in various technology sectors beyond just mobile apps.
• China sells more cars than any other country, driven by electric car makers like BYD.
• China is the world’s biggest battery maker, contributing to its success in electric vehicles.
• China is responsible for 80-95% of the global solar panel supply chain.
• It is predicted that 60% of the world’s renewable energy will be generated in China by 2028.
• 70% of drones worldwide are made by DJI, a Chinese company based in Shenzhen.
• China has three of the world's top ten drone manufacturers.
• Chinese scientists publish more quantum-related research papers annually than any other country and are ahead of the US in some areas of quantum computing development.
• Chinese AI firms issue more patents than any other country.
• DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, is challenging US tech giants.

Made in China 2025

• In 2015, the Chinese government launched the "Made in China 2025" project
• The aim was to shift from being a low-cost manufacturer to a global tech leader with its own supply chain for cutting-edge technology.
• The plan included over 250 mini-goals across ten target technologies
• 86% of these goals have been achieved, according to the South China Morning Post.
• Some targets, like electric vehicles and renewable energy production, have exceeded expectations.
• China uses a state-backed capitalism system where the government sets research and funding agendas.
• China attracts foreign researchers and incentivizes them to contribute innovations to Chinese companies.
• China often requires foreign businesses to form joint ventures with Chinese companies.
• The Chinese government planned to invest US$ 1.5 trillion in grants for research, development, or acquisitions of foreign companies.
• By 2020, over US$ 627 billion had been spent.
• Research centers focused on specific technologies have been established in city hubs.
• China denies accusations of intellectual property theft through hacking, particularly from US aircraft makers.
• After initial success, the government stopped using the term "Made in China 2025" to avoid antagonizing rivals.

Impact of Restrictions and Self-Sufficiency

• Restrictions and sanctions imposed by the West have pushed China towards self-sufficiency in advanced technology.
• Huawei, once a leader in 5G equipment and mobile phones, faced setbacks due to US-led sanctions.
• Huawei pivoted to microchip manufacturing and released a phone in 2023 with an advanced microchip.
• DeepSeek developed its AI chatbot using older chips and innovative techniques due to chip access limitations.
• DeepSeek's success is considered a wake-up call for US industries to focus on competition.
• TikTok is the first non-US social network to achieve widespread success in a decade, but faces potential US intervention due to national security concerns.
• Shein and Teemu are challenging established e-commerce platforms by combining cheap goods with innovative app technology.
• China is still behind other countries in chipmaking, with further sanctions potentially worsening progress.
• The US government and private firms are investing hundreds of billions of dollars to maintain leadership in chip technology like AI.
• Other countries, including Germany and Japan, have launched counter plans.