· 2 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: China is rapidly advancing in strategic technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and space systems, closing the gap with the U.S. in several domains
• Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing has intensified efforts to build technological self-sufficiency as a shield against rising U.S. export controls and geopolitical tension
🔭 The context: Since 2018, when the U.S. began restricting high-tech exports to China, Xi has directed a sweeping national mobilisation to reduce dependence on foreign innovation
• This includes massive state investments, industrial policy reforms, and a focus on “core technologies”
• The effort is part of a broader strategy to insulate China from foreign pressure and enhance its global competitiveness in sectors critical to national power
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: China’s acceleration in clean tech, AI, and space capabilities has implications for global climate solutions, digital governance, and environmental monitoring
• However, its self-reliance drive may deepen global tech bifurcation and reduce transparency in innovation ecosystems
• The environmental impacts of rapid industrial scaling — especially in mining and manufacturing — also raise sustainability concerns
⏭️ What's next: U.S.-China tech decoupling is set to intensify, with Washington considering additional controls on semiconductor exports and AI tools
• China is likely to double down on domestic innovation, state-led research, and alliances with Global South partners to circumvent Western tech barriers
• The race for dominance in green and digital infrastructure will increasingly shape geopolitical alliances and sustainability strategies
💬 One quote: “Only through self-reliance can we fundamentally safeguard national economic security,” – Xi Jinping, President of China
📈 One stat: China’s R&D spending reached 2.64% of GDP in 2024, a record high, surpassing most EU countries and narrowing the gap with the U.S.
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of leading Chinese firms like BYD and CATL
