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The world wants Chinese tech. China is determined to keep it

China’s rivals are learning how to get what Beijing won’t share

Published Tue, Apr 21, 2026 · 05:43 PM
    • Attendees walk past AI signage at the Canton Fair trade event in Guangzhou.  Despite China’s manufacturing prowess, it is far from being a tech leader across the board, says the writer.
    • Attendees walk past AI signage at the Canton Fair trade event in Guangzhou. Despite China’s manufacturing prowess, it is far from being a tech leader across the board, says the writer. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

    THEY used to gripe about too much technology transfer in China. But in the past year or so, foreign business and political leaders have started to fret that too little is happening.

    No longer do they worry so much about Western tech landing in Chinese hands; rather, they fear that China is now too effective at preventing its best stuff from passing to foreigners.

    A former Chinese trade official reacted to the pivot with empathy rather than mockery. “It is a bit hypocritical, but it’s understandable,” he said.