TechStuff The Story: Are the US and China in a Tech War? w/ Jake Sullivan
Jun 11, 2025
Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor under President Biden, dives into the escalating tech rivalry between the US and China. He explains the significance of the CHIPS and Science Act in bolstering the US semiconductor industry and counters China's AI ambitions. Sullivan discusses the role of export controls and global alliances in this strategic landscape while addressing the implications of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons in modern warfare. His insights underscore the balance between national security, technological advancement, and the future of global relations.
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Tech Policy's Central Role
- Jake Sullivan shifted focus from traditional foreign policy to technology recognizing its crucial role in national security.
- He established a technology directorate at the National Security Council to enhance U.S. tech policy efforts.
China's Tech Ambitions Challenge U.S.
- China's goal is to dominate future key technologies, posing a challenge to U.S. tech leadership.
- Sullivan aimed to sustain U.S. technological edge, especially in AI and semiconductors, to maintain global leadership.
Avoiding Inevitable War With China
- Sullivan rejects the inevitable war framework with China, advocating intense but managed competition.
- The Biden administration balanced tough actions with diplomacy to avoid conflict escalation.