Episode 43: Channing Lee on Mapping the U.S.-PRC Tech Competition Landscape
Apr 3, 2024
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Mapping expert Channing Lee discusses the competitive tech landscape between the US and China, covering topics like insecure tech infrastructure, surveillance tech usage, e-commerce reach, digital payment systems comparison, TikTok's security concerns, and the need for international cooperation in tech development.
The US competitiveness in social media platforms like Instagram remains evident despite varying national security implications in the tech competition with China.
The necessity to address surveillance technology's implications is emphasized by the questionable practices of major surveillance tech manufacturers like Hikvision and Dahua, further exacerbated by Chinese state influence.
PRC e-commerce giants, despite facing criticism for human rights violations, maintain resilient global market share growth and outshine US counterparts like Amazon in serving diverse markets worldwide.
Distinct cultural approaches to digital transactions are reflected in the innovative features and global penetration of PRC's digital payment systems WeChat Pay and AliPay, surpassing US platforms like PayPal and Apple Pay.
TikTok's rapid global adoption with 1.5 billion monthly users highlights PRC's dominance in social media platforms, underscoring the evolving landscape of digital communication despite security concerns and controversies.
The bipartisan bill addressing national security risks from foreign-controlled apps like TikTok underscores the importance of comprehensive legislative measures to safeguard American data while promoting competition in the tech industry.
Deep dives
US and China Tech Competition: Mapping the Landscape
The tech competition between the US and China has been a focal point, analyzing areas like advanced surveillance, e-commerce, digital payments, social media, ride sharing, and mobile phone sales. Notable concerns arise from Huawei and ZTE's global presence in insecure telecommunications. Despite differing national security implications, the US's competitiveness remains evident in social media platforms like Instagram. Additionally, the innovative contributions of allies and partners in various tech sectors underscore the importance of collaborative efforts.
Advanced Surveillance: Impact of Hikvision and Dahua
Hikvision and Dahua, major surveillance tech manufacturers, pose concerns with AI-equipped cameras capable of intrusive data collection. These technologies, scrutinized for dual military and civilian use, raise privacy and security issues. The Chinese state's influence in these companies and their involvement in controversial practices in Xinjiang highlight the necessity to address surveillance technology's implications.
E-commerce Dynamics: Comparing US and PRC Platforms
PRC e-commerce giants like JD.com and AliExpress outshine in global reach, serving 195 countries. While implicated in human rights violations, their market share growth remains resilient despite criticisms. The US's Amazon dominance faces competition from PRC platforms that cater to diverse markets, especially in regions like Africa.
Digital Payments Market: Assessing PRC's WeChat Pay and AliPay
WeChat Pay and AliPay's expansive global presence in 135 countries surpasses US digital payment platforms like PayPal and Apple Pay. Differences in payment system evolution reflect distinct cultural approaches to digital transactions. Although challenging to compare directly, PRC's digital payment systems exhibit innovative features and international penetration.
Social Media Dynamics: TikTok's Worldwide Impact
TikTok's astronomical rise with 1.5 billion monthly users exemplifies PRC's social media dominance. The app's global popularity and advanced algorithm highlight its influence on user engagement. Despite controversies and security concerns, TikTok's widespread adoption underscores the rapid evolution of digital communication platforms.
Legislation on Foreign-Controlled Apps: Addressing Security Concerns
The House's bipartisan bill aims at safeguarding against foreign-controlled apps like TikTok, addressing national security and data privacy risks. Concerns over apps' ties to foreign adversaries underscore the need for comprehensive legislative measures to protect American data and privacy. The bill's divestment requirement reflects efforts to mitigate security threats from apps with foreign affiliations.
Ride Sharing Market: Tok Uber and DD Comparison
Uber's extensive market presence in 69 countries surpasses PRC's DD availability in 15 countries. Regional market variations in ride-sharing preference reflect localized service demands. The diversity in ride-sharing platforms globally showcases market adaptability and competition.
Mobile Phone Sales: Global Distribution and Market Share
PRC-based mobile phone companies dominate in middle and lower-income countries with affordable alternatives to high-end US brands like Apple and Google. International patterns reveal regional preferences aligning with economic profiles, where local brands often lead market shares. Collaboration among democratic countries influences market diversity and competition.
Tech Competition Insights: Collaborative Opportunities and Challenges
The tech competition landscape highlights both collaborative opportunities and challenges for global stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of shared values and innovation, the research showcases the resilience of US competitiveness in key technology sectors. Leveraging alliances and strategic partnerships can drive technological advancements and address evolving national security concerns.
Global Tech Competition Outlook: Beyond US and China Dichotomy
The podcast underscores the complexity of the global tech competition beyond a simplistic US versus China narrative. Insights reveal the significance of collaborative efforts with allies and partners to advance technological innovation and maintain democratic values. By exploring diverse technological landscapes, the analysis promotes a nuanced approach to understanding tech competition dynamics.
SCSP's Research Impact and Future Collaboration Endeavours
SCSP's research on tech competition's intricate facets underscores the critical role of partnerships and shared initiatives. Through open-source methodologies and diverse tech sector analyses, the podcast sheds light on the opportunities and challenges for advancing competitive strategies. Future engagements with allies and innovative solutions will be pivotal in shaping the evolving tech competition landscape.
Channing Lee joins host Jeanne Meserve for a conversation on mapping the U.S.-PRC tech competition landscape of six technologies we use in our everyday lives.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit scsp222.substack.com
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