Reporter Jessica Lessin from The Information discusses the complex relationship between the US and China in the tech industry. Topics include the tension between the two countries, the role of Chinese-owned apps like TikTok, and the importance of the Chinese supply chain for companies like Apple.
The US-China tech relationship is complex, with tensions leading to a sense of decoupling while maintaining heavy reliance on Chinese supply chains in the hardware industry.
Export controls and the AI arms race highlight the intricacies of the US-China tech relationship, with concerns over national security and potential restrictions blurring the line between protecting interests and arbitrary limitations.
Deep dives
The Complex Relationship Between the US and China in Tech
The podcast episode discusses the evolving and complex relationship between the US and China in the tech industry. It highlights how there has been a significant shift over the past few years as tensions have increased. While US internet companies once viewed China as an important market, the landscape has changed with a growing sense of decoupling. However, the hardware industry remains deeply dependent on Chinese supply chains. The Biden administration has taken steps to de-risk by investing in domestic technology and restricting certain investments in China. The podcast explores the challenges and tensions that arise from this intricate relationship.
The Impact of Export Controls and AI Arms Race
The podcast delves into the impact of export controls and the ongoing AI arms race in the US-China tech relationship. The Biden administration has implemented export controls to limit China's access to advanced US technology, particularly in the semiconductor sector. This move is driven by concerns over national security and the fear that China's development and application of technology could harm the US. However, the line between national security and arbitrary restrictions is blurry. The podcast highlights the complexities and political nature of these issues, which have significant implications for the future of technology.
The Role of Gina Raimondo and the Future of US-China Relations
The podcast also explores the role of Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, in shaping US-China relations. Raimondo, considered a rising star in politics, has been actively engaging with China to address the complicated tech landscape. While tensions and disagreements persist, Raimondo's approach emphasizes dialogue and understanding. She is also focused on de-risking the US by promoting domestic investment in technology and restricting certain business dealings with China. The podcast acknowledges the importance of Raimondo's influence in shaping the future of US-China relations, particularly in the tech sector.
The US and China are in a sort of cold war, and the tech industry is caught in the middle. But it’s complicated: Ask TikTok, the Chinese-owned app that dominates entertainment in the US. Or Apple, which couldn’t exist without the Chinese supply chain that makes the iPhone. Here to explain the state of play to Vox’s Peter Kafka is The Information’s Jessica Lessin (@JessicaLessin) who just returned from a trip to Beijing and Shanghai with “tech’s favorite politician,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Host: Peter Kafka (@pkafka), Senior Editor at Recode
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