Why China Has Already Caught Up With the United States? Rethinking Power and Technology

Abstract This study examines the dynamics of US–China power competition, with a specific focus on the role of technology in reshaping the measures of national power. Traditionally, power has been evaluated based on military size and wealth, but the emergence of cutting‐edge technologies like artificial intelligence and 5G demands a re‐evaluation of these metrics. The study argues for the inclusion of technology as a critical factor in measuring national power, highlighting its increasing relevance in the digital age. Utilizing the net‐power measurement approach, the research provides a nuanced analysis of the US–China contest beyond mere economic and military capabilities, emphasizing the significance of digital dominance. The work addresses the limitations of traditional methodologies and introduces a more holistic approach that encompasses technological innovation. It argues that China's rise in power, especially in the realm of technology, has narrowed the power gap with the United States, challenging the existing global power structure.