China leads in 5G, but the U.S. has an edge in other crucial niches—for now In a world where geopolitical power is increasingly linked to technological advancement, the U.S.
has long led its rivals. American companies make some of the world’s fastest computers, deadliest jet fighters and most capable robots.
But China’s growing economy—now the world’s second largest—and huge government investments in technologies are eating away at that edge like never before.
Such progress has spurred President Trump’s all-out trade and economic battle with Beijing, encompassing tariffs, export controls and a crackdown on Chinese scientists allegedly stealing American companies’ secrets.