Opinion: China and Xi Jinping Are Winning the Technology Race
As the United States falters, China accelerates ahead under Xi’s leadership
By Fareed Zakaria | The Washington Post | October 3, 2025
For nearly a decade, many in the United States believed China had lost momentum. After three and a half decades of extraordinary economic expansion and technological progress, Beijing appeared to stumble. Harsh crackdowns on some of the nation’s most innovative sectors — from technology to education — seemed to indicate internal turmoil and self-imposed obstacles. Many entrepreneurs were silenced or forced into exile, while China’s increasingly aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy alienated key neighbors including India, Australia, and Vietnam.
However, as the U.S. government strained under internal divisions and political distractions, China under President Xi Jinping has resumed its determined march to build the future. While America’s leaders engaged in trade wars, imposed tariffs, and waged culture wars, China continued to invest heavily and advance rapidly in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and telecommunications.
A striking symbol of China’s technological ascent is visible at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where robots are not only on display but actively serving popcorn—a glimpse into the country’s growing integration of AI into daily life and industry.
Unlike the United States, which has been mired in debates over ideology and policy missteps, China has pursued a focused strategy centered on innovation and infrastructure. The country’s commitment to technology is embedded in its long-term plans and supported by coordinated governmental efforts.
This development places China at the forefront of the global technology race, not only as a manufacturer but as a creator and exporter of advanced technologies. The contrast with current American challenges, marked by fragmented policymaking and inward-looking priorities, could have profound consequences for global leadership in the 21st century.
As Fareed Zakaria observes, America’s recent missteps have allowed China—and Xi Jinping—to seize a leading position in shaping the technological future.
Related Trends and Further Reading
- The impact of U.S.-China tensions on global technology supply chains
- Analysis of “wolf warrior” diplomacy and its regional consequences
- The role of government policy in fostering innovation: a comparative perspective
This opinion piece reflects on the shifting dynamics of global innovation leadership and calls for introspection in American policymaking to address the challenges posed by China’s rapid technological progress.
For more articles by Fareed Zakaria and expert analysis on international affairs, visit The Washington Post Opinions section.
