By Gov. Susana Martinez
The United States is at a critical juncture and the decisions made by elected leaders in Washington, D.C. in the coming years will define America’s standing for decades to come.
In a time of geopolitical instability, escalating ambitions of our foreign adversaries, particularly China, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), maintaining America’s innovation edge is more crucial than ever before.
Technological innovation is the backbone of America’s economy. For generations, the United States has led the world in pioneering breakthrough technologies that have improved our quality of life, enhanced our national security, created opportunities, and fostered economic growth and prosperity.
However, the future of American innovation leadership is not guaranteed.
China is laser-focused on becoming the global tech leader and has a whole-of-government approach to achieve this goal. China’s three-part plan includes strengthening its tech capabilities, stealing American intellectual property, and making the world more dependent on Chinese technology and supply chains.
And the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is making gains. A recent report found that China leads the United States in 37 out of 44 critical technologies, spanning defense, space, robotics, energy, the environment, biotechnology, AI, advanced materials and key quantum technology areas. The CCP is also investing $1.4 trillion to become the world leader in AI by 2030.
At the same time China is bolstering its own tech sector, it is also advancing state-backed cyber hacking programs to undercut and disrupt competitors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned China’s cyber hacking efforts are “larger than that of every other major nation, combined.”
On the heels of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, Republicans must continue to chart a path forward to counter China’s attempts to supplant America as the global technological leader and chief superpower. Should Republicans take control in November, we will have a unique opportunity to unite the country around addressing the China challenge and unleashing America’s innovation potential.
Read more at WisPolitics.com.