A recent report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has revealed that China has taken the lead in 37 out of 44 critical technology areas classified by ASPI. This impressive feat includes various emerging technologies such as space exploration, robotics, and quantum technology, where China has published more scientific publications than any other country. ASPI's experts have evaluated all research material published between 2018 and 2022, considering both the quality and quantity of publications. They have concluded that China has a significant advantage in high-impact research in these areas.
44 Scientific Fields Ranked by ASPI
ASPI's report lists 44 different scientific fields deemed crucial, and the report evaluates the research material published in these fields. The final evaluation considers the quality, quantity, and potential impact of the publications. The report shows that China has managed to be the top performer in a total of 37 areas, with eight of these areas being very close to achieving a global monopoly.
The United States Still Leads in 7 Areas
While China's dominance in the scientific community is impressive, the United States still leads in seven critical technology areas, including high-performance computing, advanced integrated circuit design and manufacturing, natural language processing, quantum computing, vaccines and medicine, small satellites, and spacecraft carrier systems. However, the report indicates that China's rapid advancement may soon threaten American dominance in these areas.
Other Countries Follow Far Behind
India and the United Kingdom are the two main rivals of the United States and China, respectively, and they follow far behind in terms of scientific research. South Korea, Germany, Australia, Italy, and Japan have also demonstrated significant scientific activity.
American Government's Efforts to Curb China's Rise
The American government is taking measures to curb China's rise in the East by imposing sanctions on Chinese companies, state actors, and innovative capabilities and embargoing critical technologies. However, the report suggests that these measures are only delaying and not preventing the time when China will generally be regarded as the world's leading scientific center.
China's dominance in scientific research may surprise some, but signs have been visible for some time that America may not necessarily maintain its leading position. Last year, a Japanese report showed Chinese superiority in quantitative and qualitative measures. The fact that the FBI director called attention to the potential danger of significant advances in artificial intelligence by China this year also highlights the threat Chinese development poses to American dominance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China's rapid advancement in scientific research is evident in its impressive performance in 37 out of 44 critical technology areas. The United States still leads in seven regions, but China's significant advantage in high-impact research indicates that it may soon threaten American dominance in these areas. Other countries, such as India and the United Kingdom, still need to catch up, and the American government's efforts to curb China's rise are only delaying the inevitable. As such, China is on its way to becoming the world's leading scientific center.
