Over the past decade, China has transformed from a “world’s factory” into a formidable global science and technology powerhouse. DeepSeek, TikTok, CapCut, Shein, Temu, BYD, DJI, and Huawei illustrate how Chinese technology is permeating global markets and directly challenging the supremacy of established high-technology powerhouses.

Exporting Technology and Standards. China is not content with domestic dominance. It seeks to shape the world’s technology landscape through three channels: Digital Silk Road projects provide partner countries with Chinese telecommunications, surveillance systems, smart city platforms, and fintech infrastructure. Huawei’s 5G equipment, despite U.S. restrictions, is embedded across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By actively participating in international standards bodies, China promotes its technical norms in areas like 5G, electric vehicle charging, and AI ethics. Winning in standards means influencing how future technologies evolve — and who profits. Chinese researchers collaborate globally, co-authoring papers, hosting international labs, and attracting foreign talent with generous funding and new “K-visas.” This global embedding ensures that Chinese science is not isolated but central to worldwide networks.