A picture is unfolding on the global stage: A graceful and agile Chinese dragon gently winding around the neck of an American bald eagle. It neither roars nor bites, but with a calm demeanor, it adjusts the eagle's breathing rhythm. The Asian Times vividly depicts: China has transformed from a "mimicker" into a strong systematic rival, frequently surpassing the United States in technology, trade, military, and diplomacy tracks. Why does China remain undaunted by America's trade wars, tariff wars, and even economic decoupling? Let us count the nine strengths of the Chinese dragon!
One, semiconductors: From weakness to overtaking on a curve
Not long ago, semiconductors were China's technical Achilles' heel, but now they have become its shining calling card. In response to America's photolithography machine blockade, China has invested 1.5 trillion RMB to build a complete chain from rare earths to chips. The 14-nanometer chip has been mass-produced, and the 7-nanometer is poised for launch. Economic consultant expert Wang Dan exclaimed: China is only one or two steps behind the global level, and its pursuit is unstoppable!
In contrast, America's CHIPS and Science Act is progressing slowly, its foundries rely on Taiwan, and its supply chain is fraught with crises. China's self-reliance and self-strengthening have made America's sanctions pale, and the technology arena has taken on a new look.
Two. Electric vehicles: BYD leads, Tesla chases
The king of electric vehicles in China, BYD, crushed Tesla in sales in 2023, with footprints spanning Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. What is the secret? China holds the global supply chain: from lithium in Bolivia to cobalt in Congo, CATL dominates 75% of lithium battery production. Professor Tu Xinquan of the China World Trade Organization Research Institute summed it up: Electric vehicles are not just commodities, but strategic high grounds!
American automakers, however, are mired in technical and cost quagmires, and tariffs cannot stop China's localization offensive. China is writing new standards for global green travel.
Three. Artificial intelligence: Data flood, authoritative efficiency
The ocean of 1.4 billion people has nurtured the rise of China's artificial intelligence. SenseTime and iFlytek train models like lightning, and the 2024 Stanford AI Index reveals that China's AI paper output exceeds the combined total of the United States and the European Union! From facial recognition to predictive policing, artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates with governance, showcasing centralized efficiency.
While American Silicon Valley is bogged down by privacy debates and develops independently, it struggles to match China's scale and speed. On the artificial intelligence track, China is not just participating; it is leading the way.
Four. Space and hypersonic: Stars and seas, stunning the Pentagon
In 2021, China's hypersonic flight vehicle orbited the Earth and hit its target precisely, leaving the Pentagon stunned. The Tiangong space station stands proudly in the stars, with satellite launches leading the world. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace expert James M. Acton直言: China's civilian-military integrated space strategy can transform civilian capabilities into military power overnight!
Although the U.S. is rich, it is hampered by budget constraints and collaboration issues. China's ambitions in space are reshaping the strategic balance, and near-Earth orbit has become its stage.
Five. Quantum computing and cyber warfare: The future is here, invincible
China's quantum communication network has been established in Hefei, and the "Mozi" satellite verifies encryption, nearing "unbreakable." People's Liberation Army cyber forces command centrally and swiftly. Cybersecurity expert Adam Segal warns: America's actions are hampered by many factors, while China moves as fast as lightning!
American quantum research remains on paper, while China has put it into practice. China's dragon has firmly occupied the high ground of information warfare.
Six. One Belt, One Road: Global network, iron bonds
"One Belt, One Road" connects 150 countries and over 70 ports, weaving countless railways into a logistics empire. The East Coast Rail Link of Malaysia and the "two countries, two parks" shine brightly. America's "Build Back Better World" shouts slogans but shows no results. With infrastructure as its pen, China outlines a global network, maneuvering freely in trade wars.
Seven. Financial innovation:
China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System clears 400 billion RMB annually, and digital renminbi progresses steadily. Indonesia and Malaysia have successively signed agreements for local currency settlements, revealing cracks in the dollar hegemony. Cornell University professor Eswar Prasad praised: China skillfully de-dollarizes without confrontation, winning through flexibility.
Under the trade war, China's dragon uses financial resilience to neutralize dollar constraints and face sanctions with a smile.
Eight. Pharmaceutical diplomacy: Southern Hemisphere pharmacy, supply chain ace
During the pandemic, benefiting over 80 countries, China became the global "pharmacy." More astonishingly, China controls 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredient exports, with the FDA calling it a "security threat." In the healthy market, China combines soft and hard power effortlessly.
Nine.
China's naval fleet exceeds that of the United States, with a shipbuilding speed of 22 to 1. Military islands and "carrier killer" missiles rewrite the naval order in the Indo-Pacific region. Data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies warn: China's rise in maritime power challenges the dominant position of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
Strategic chokepoints and lifelines of trade, China's dragon protects thousands of miles of sea borders with its steel body.
Conclusion: Graceful pressure, lasting supremacy
The Chinese dragon needs no roar, just a graceful embrace, to make the American eagle gasp for breath. Its strength lies in technological breakthroughs, industrial dominance, military advancement, and diplomatic prowess. As Malaysian scholar Farid Kim Ben said: The competition of the 21st century is not about domination, but a battle of endurance.
Can the American eagle break free under the graceful pressure of the Chinese dragon? The answer remains unclear. But the Chinese dragon is already confident, waiting for victory with systemic power and the advantage of time.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496485114185138738/
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