Tariffs on China won’t stop its tech rise—but curbs on its US investments might
Donald Trump is said to be considering new emergency rules in a bid to slow down China’s technological progress.
Back story: The Trump administration worries that China is using a steady stream of investment in US firms to gain access to American intellectual property, while keeping strict rules in place that prevent foreign firms from doing the same within its borders. That, the thinking goes, has created an advantage that China is exploiting in an effort to become a tech powerhouse in AI, robotics, chips, and more.
First, levies: Trump announced tariffs on imports from China, probably including machinery and electronics, as a first step to tackling the problem. But, as Axios notes, targeting America’s trade deficit is unlikely to halt China’s success. (Plus, China already cut taxes on industries Trump seeks to punish.)
Next, investment bans? The New York Times and Bloomberg both report that Trump has asked the Treasury to develop new rules, based on emergency laws relating to national security, that could block Chinese investment in entire US industries, such as semiconductors.
Why it matters: The bans would stand a better chance of working than the tariffs. But they may further heighten international tensions that are already near fever pitch.
Deep Dive
Tech policy
How the Supreme Court ruling on Section 230 could end Reddit as we know it
As tech companies scramble in anticipation of a major ruling, some experts say community moderation online could be on the chopping block.
2022’s seismic shift in US tech policy will change how we innovate
Three bills investing hundreds of billions into technological development could change the way we think about government’s role in growing prosperity.
Mass-market military drones: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
Turkish-made aircraft like the TB2 have dramatically expanded the role of drones in warfare.
We’re witnessing the brain death of Twitter
An analysis of Musk’s tweets shows him at the center of conversations once kept on the fringes of Twitter.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.