East and West: global technological confrontation

Abstract

In recent years the technological rivalry between China and the USA has become increasingly intense as both countries compete for dominance in the following promising technological areas: in the creation of artificial intelligence systems, in the production of equipment for 5G generation communication networks, in quantum computing, in the design and manufacture of electric vehicles and in biotechnology research. As China’s economy grows and its technological capabilities expand, the USA is increasingly concerned about the consequences of China’s rapid technological growth for national security, economic competitiveness and for global dominance of the USA. In response to China’s technological rise, the USA has taken a number of steps to restrict China’s access to “sensitive” technologies and protect its own interests. The result of such actions was a complex and dynamic confrontation that has an impact on the future of the global economy and technological innovation. This article examines a retrospective of the relationship between the two most developed economies of the world; studies the factors that led to the digital confrontation; analyzes the potential impact of digital competition on the global economy and also considers the prospects for further development of China and the USA as technological giants of modernity.

Keywords

• technological confrontation
• diversification
• geopolitical dominance
• customs duties
• consumer market
• technological independence
• scientific and technological progress
• innovative activity