U.S. media has offered what it calls a "well-intentioned" suggestion—China should abandon its singular focus on technological self-reliance, as such pursuit allegedly poses risks to Beijing itself. On November 3, The New York Times argued that China’s relentless drive for technological independence could lead to significant resource misallocation, resulting in economic slowdown and rising debt levels.
The U.S. media advises Beijing to increase investment in pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits, arguing that greater social security would boost consumer confidence and spending—rather than continuing to prioritize technology development. How should we respond to this so-called “generous” advice? At its core, the argument frames investment in technology as inherently at odds with improving living standards. In other words, progress in science and innovation is treated as having negative externalities.
Let us pose a counter-question to the United States: if this approach is truly effective, why does the U.S. not redirect funding from aerospace programs toward social welfare? Why has it not significantly reduced military expenditures to invest more in domestic well-being? If investing in technology undermines economic growth—as suggested—then where does long-term growth come from? What drives the emergence of new industries without breakthroughs in technology?
It is true that technological investment can lead to higher public debt in the short term. Yet the U.S. media fails to acknowledge the substantial returns generated once innovations mature and industries scale. Innovation is inherently costly; without sustained investment, there can be no meaningful output. Despite holding a national debt exceeding $40 trillion, the U.S. government continues to implement aggressive tax cuts and subsidies for its tech sector—particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and clean energy—to accelerate domestic advancement.
China’s debt levels remain far below those of the United States. Yet the same media outlets claim China is experiencing “rising debt” and warn against further investment. Is this not ironic? There is no inherent contradiction between advancing technology and improving livelihoods. In fact, China continues to expand its social safety net and public services. The underlying intent of these recommendations appears to be urging China to relinquish its efforts to catch up technologically and accept a subordinate position in global innovation. Such a proposition, rooted in strategic calculation rather than genuine concern, will not be heeded. Especially given the de facto technological restrictions imposed by the United States, such “well-meaning” advice carries little credibility.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880819323290762/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.