China’s Vision for Science and Technology
China’s growing capabilities in science and technology have raised concerns about global power balances. In his CSS Analysis, Leo Eigner describes how, as geopolitical tensions increase, China is doubling down on its long-term vision of scientific and technological 'self-reliance' to transform itself into a technosecurity state.
China has become a leading nation in scienceand technology (S&T). Through large investments, centralized long-term planning, and its open-door policy, China has improved its innovation system as well as significantly expanded its S&T capabilities since the start of the century. It now produces some of the world’s best research, manufactures a range of advanced technologies, and boasts several impressive engineering and technological feats, such as the Cheng’e lunar missions or DeepSeek’s AI chatbot.
“Risk-aware cooperation is the only way to keep global science open and benefit from China’s capabilities.”Leo Eigner
These growing capabilities and confidence pose clear geopolitical challenges. For high-income countries, this has renewed focus on innovation, economic competitiveness, and how to engage with China across scientific, commercial, and political domains – often through a hard power lens. Yet what China represents for low- and medium-income countries is often overlooked. For them, China offers opportunity: affordable degrees, access to advanced infrastructure, and an alternative to“Western-dominated” norms.
Still, China’s transactional approach risks co-opting and controlling these countries’ S&T agendas. Their challenge will be to engage China strategically – without compromising autonomy and alienating Western partners. In summary, Leo Eigner concludes that S&T will remain a central element of global strategic competition, which is unlikely to subside anytime soon.