The intensifying technological competition between the United States and China is redefining the global power dynamics in the realm of international politics. This competition spans critical domains, including artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Both nations seek to secure a first-mover advantage in these strategic sectors driven by geopolitical and economic motives. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated global digital transformation, further amplifying the significance of technological supremacy in shaping geopolitics (O'Toole et al., 2020). The Russia-Ukraine conflict underscored the transformative impact of advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and artificial intelligence on modern warfare, raising pertinent questions regarding the trajectory of technological innovation and its implications for global patterns. To explore this complex landscape, this study aims to address several key research questions. First, it examines the nature and scope of the current technological rivalry between the US and China. Second, it will apply the Power Transition Theory (PTT) to assess whether escalating dissatisfaction in this technology competition could potentially lead to broader geopolitical confrontation, including the prospect of war. Additionally, the study analyzes the role of technology alliances formed by the US and partnerships pursued by China in managing or exacerbating this rivalry. Third, it investigates whether differing national standardization systems adopted by these states pose obstacles to global tech integration and cooperation. Finally, the study explores the concept of technological decoupling, assessing whether a fundamental separation of technological ecosystems between the US and China is underway. This research seeks to deepen our understanding of how technological competition is reshaping the international order, impacting not only economic and military power but also the cultural, ideological, and diplomatic dimensions of global influence. By examining the interplay between technology and geopolitical rivalry, this study contributes to elucidating the future trajectory of US-China relations and their implications for broader international stability and security.
Jing Gea (2026) studied this question.