Is the U.S. stuck in a loop of self-sabotage when it comes to China? That’s the question experts like Kishore Mahbubani, a Singapore-based scholar, are raising as tensions between the two powers simmer. Despite warnings, U.S. policies aimed at curbing China’s tech growth might be doing more harm to America itself, analysts argue.
In a recent Foreign Policy piece, Mahbubani and co-authors Tony Chan and Ben Harburg highlight a pattern: From nuclear tech to AI, China has repeatedly overcome U.S. restrictions, often emerging stronger. For instance, when blocked from accessing GPS technology, China built its own BeiDou system—now a global competitor. Semiconductor bans? China’s making strides there too.
The kicker: China holds leverage in critical minerals like gallium and germanium, essential for chips and renewables. If Beijing restricts exports, the U.S. could face supply chaos. \"New mines take decades,\" the authors note—time America might not have.
Yet, Washington keeps doubling down. Critics compare the approach to ‘ignoring reality’, risking a lose-lose scenario. Could shifting focus to collaboration, not competition, be the smarter play? Experts say it’s time to listen.
Despite warnings, U.S. policies aimed at curbing China’s tech growth might be doing more harm to America itself, analysts argue.
For instance, when blocked from accessing GPS technology, China built its own BeiDou system—now a global competitor. Semiconductor bans? China’s making strides there too.
The kicker: China holds leverage in critical minerals like gallium and germanium, essential for chips and renewables. If Beijing restricts exports, the U.S. could face supply chaos. \"New mines take decades,\" the authors note—time America might not have.
Experts say it’s time to listen.
