Digital titans at war: US–China tech rivalry and the rise of Chinese military aid

In the competition between the United States and China, innovation in digital technology plays a key role in both economic and military capacities. China, a rival of the U.S., has been increasing its influence by providing military assistance to other nations. This study aims to explore the impact of China’s progress in digital technology on its military support as a reflection of its readiness to challenge U.S. dominance. As China’s digital technology capabilities grow, it is clear that their increased military aid to authoritarian countries, rogue states, countries hostile to the U.S., rising powers, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region signifies a clear intention for power transition as a revisionist. As China’s digital technology capabilities grow, empirical evidence confirms that Chinese military assistance is being directed towards rogue nations, countries hostile to the U.S., and rising global powers.