Technological Sovereignty of Great Powers: A Case Study of China

Abstract

The traditional focus on geopolitics is shifting toward a geoeconomic paradigm, where emerging technologies are increasingly viewed as central to the dynamics of great power politics. States are pursuing technological sovereignty as a policy choice to achieve self-reliance and sovereign control over critical technologies, aiming to maximise their autonomy and influence in a competitive international landscape. This paper examines China’s approach to technological sovereignty by analysing key government initiatives, like ‘Science & Technology in China: A Roadmap to 2050’, ‘Digital Silk Road’, and ‘Made in China 2025’ and the role of Chinese big tech corporations. Due consideration has also been accorded to the multifaceted impacts of China’s technological sovereignty on global power politics, with special focus on the intensifying Sino-US tech war. Lastly, it evaluates the rapid transitions that may unfold on a global scale as a result of these developments.