The significance of the United States maintaining its technological superiority over China cannot be emphasized enough. This is crucial not only for economic and national security reasons but also for upholding the values and principles that have shaped the modern world. China is eager to replace the U.S. as the leading superpower, not just to establish economic dominance but also to promote their version of suppressive authoritarianism worldwide.
Alarm bells are ringing everywhere, from mass surveillance through TikTok to widespread cyberattacks targeting American technology firms. China’s aggressive actions are on the rise. Moreover, China has been accused of state-sponsored interference in American elections and inflammatory efforts to exacerbate political division.
People are also reading…
It is clear to anyone paying attention that the CCP is engaged in a subversive campaign against American values. Simultaneously, they are heavily investing in the technology sector in an attempt to surpass the U.S. in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and defense.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers in DC seem intent on placing as many obstacles as possible in front of American companies. Overregulation, restrictions on affordable energy production, and ongoing monetary inflation, among other challenges, are hindering our economic potential. And now, some in Congress are proposing new anti-innovation regulations that would impose additional constraints on technology companies. This comes at a time when China’s influence is growing amidst a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic.
The technological edge currently held by the U.S. is one of our greatest strengths. It has played a key role in driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the nation’s military capabilities. However, this competitive position is now more fragile than ever.
We cannot take our advantage for granted. We need to actively cultivate an environment where innovation can thrive. This does not require adopting the Chinese approach with pervasive state intervention. Instead, we should opt for a lighter regulatory touch and provide space for our brilliant entrepreneurs to operate.
China’s rapid advancement in technology has been accompanied by an increasingly assertive foreign policy and a disregard for the rule of law and human rights. This has raised concerns about the potential misuse of technology, particularly in areas such as surveillance, censorship, and cyber warfare. We have already witnessed these tactics being used against American citizens within our borders. However, these actions only scratch the surface of China’s capabilities.
Preserving America’s technological superiority is not just about economic and national security; it is crucial for upholding the values and principles that have shaped the modern world, protecting individual rights and freedoms, and maintaining global security and stability.
The U.S. must continue to invest in research and development, promote innovation, and collaborate with allies to ensure that the technological landscape remains one where democratic values and human rights are upheld. To achieve this, we must reject anti-innovation proposals that jeopardize our competitive edge, or else we risk losing the global technology race to China.
Sen. Carl Glimm represents Senate District 2 in Flathead County. He serves as the vice chair of the Senate Finance & Claims Committee.
